What does "prejudice" mean?
An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge of the facts.
Prejudice
/ˈpɹɛd͡ʒədɪs/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge of the facts.
- Grammar: prejudice is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: bias, preconception, a thing for, abuse.
- Useful contrasts: antibias, academic impartiality, neutral state.
- Usage evidence: I don't have a prejudice against foreign workers.
How to use "prejudice"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "prejudice" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "prejudice" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "prejudice" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "prejudice" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "prejudice" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bias" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "prejudice", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge of the facts. countable
"Though often misled by prejudice and passion, he was emphatically an honest man."
- 2 a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation wordnet
- 3 A preconception, any preconceived opinion or feeling, whether positive or negative. countable
"Morality is but a prejudice."
- 4 An irrational hostile attitude, fear or hatred towards a particular group, race or religion. countable
"I am free of all prejudices. I hate everyone equally."
- 5 Knowledge formed in advance; foresight, presaging. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"[…] the first did in the forepart sit, / That nought mote hinder his quicke preiudize: / He had a sharpe foresight, and working wit […]"
Show 1 more definition
- 6 Mischief; hurt; damage; injury; detriment. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"England and France might, through their amity, / Breed him some prejudice."
Verb
- 1 To have a negative impact on (someone's position, chances etc.). transitive
- 2 influence (somebody's) opinion in advance wordnet
- 3 To cause prejudice in; to bias the mind of. transitive
- 4 disadvantage by prejudice wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Pronunciation spelling of prejudiced, representing African-American Vernacular English. alt-of, pronunciation-spelling
"I’m not what you call an “A” student but I don’t mind school at lease it takes me away from home but the teachers are too prejudice they are mostly Whites and I never got a fair mark out of them."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"I don't have a prejudice against foreign workers."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "prejudice"?
Common synonyms include: bias, preconception, a thing for, abuse, affinity, afflict.
How do you use "prejudice" in a sentence?
I don't have a prejudice against foreign workers.
How do you pronounce "prejudice"?
Pronounced /ˈpɹɛd͡ʒədɪs/.
Etymology
From Middle English prejudice, from Old French prejudice, derived from Latin praeiūdicium (“previous judgment or damage”), from prae- (“before”) + iūdicium (“judgment”).