The word ‘Biased’ (adjective) describes a tendency to favor one person, group, or viewpoint over others in an unfair way. In this guide, you’ll learn the full definition, synonyms, antonyms, etymology, and real-life examples of how to use ‘Biased’ correctly in sentences.
Biased Explained in Depth
A complete, practical guide to the word biased, including meaning, definition, examples, etymology, synonyms, and antonyms, plus quick FAQs for common usage questions.
Meanings of Biased
‘Biased’ refers to having or showing an unfair preference for or against someone or something. It often suggests a lack of neutrality or objectivity, especially in decisions, opinions, or reporting.
Definition
Biased (adjective): showing or feeling prejudice for or against someone or something in a way considered to be unfair.
Etymology
The word ‘Biased’ traces back to the 16th century. It began as the term ‘bias’ in the context of bowls, referring to a diagonal movement. From there, it developed through Old French biais (“slant” or “oblique”) and later became associated with prejudice or partiality in English.
Example Sentences
- The report was clearly biased, ignoring evidence that contradicted the writer’s opinion.
- She was accused of being biased in favor of her close friends during the selection process.
- Biased media can shape public perception unfairly, especially when only one side is presented.
- His biased attitude made it difficult for him to judge the situation objectively.
- Teachers must strive to avoid being biased when grading students’ work.
- When a hiring manager relies on biased assumptions, qualified candidates may be overlooked.
Biased Synonyms
- Prejudiced
- Partial
- One-sided
- Slanted
- Unfair
- Tendentious
- Subjective
- Favoring
- Opinionated
- Distorted
Biased Antonyms
- Unbiased
- Impartial
- Neutral
- Objective
- Fair
- Balanced
- Equitable
- Just
- Open-minded
- Nonpartisan
FAQs about Biased
Here’s a FAQ-style guide about the word “Biased”
1. What causes a person to be biased?
Bias can arise from personal experiences, cultural background, education, repeated exposure to the same perspectives, or emotional investment in a topic or group.
2. Can bias be unconscious?
Yes. Unconscious (or implicit) bias occurs when people unknowingly harbor preferences or prejudices that influence judgments.
3. Is bias always negative?
Often it is negative because it reduces fairness and objectivity. However, people sometimes describe a “positive bias” toward helpful behavior (like kindness), even though the underlying issue is still limited neutrality.
4. How can someone reduce their bias?
Practicing self-awareness, seeking diverse perspectives, checking assumptions, using clear criteria, and engaging in critical thinking can help reduce bias in decisions and communication.
5. What’s the difference between biased and discriminatory?
Bias is a leaning or unfair preference in perception or judgment. Discriminatory actions or policies are the practical results that unfairly treat people differently, often based on protected traits. For related vocabulary, see Discriminatory.
Explore more B words
- Benevolent words and what they imply in real life
- Prejudiced meaning, definition, synonyms, and antonyms
- Balanced meaning and how it contrasts with biased thinking
- Adjectives that start with B
- Verbs that start with B
- Nouns that start with B
