Bias is a term that is commonly used in different contexts. It is a word that is frequently used in discussions related to media, politics, and social issues. It is an important concept that helps us understand how information is presented and how it can be influenced by personal opinions and beliefs. In this article, we will explore the meaning of the term ‘biased’, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
The term ‘biased’ is an adjective that describes a situation where someone or something is influenced by personal opinions or beliefs. It refers to a situation where there is a lack of objectivity or fairness in the presentation of information. A person or thing that is biased is one-sided, prejudiced, or inclined towards a particular perspective.
Origin
The word ‘biased’ comes from the Old French word ‘biais’, which means ‘slanting’. It was originally used in the context of weaving, where it referred to the diagonal direction of the threads in a fabric. Over time, the term came to be used in a more figurative sense, to describe situations where there was a deviation from the norm or a departure from the expected.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of the term ‘biased’ is consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “prejudiced in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “exhibiting or characterized by bias.” Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “showing an unreasonable like or dislike for a person based on personal opinions.”
Associations
The term ‘biased’ is often associated with media, politics, and social issues. It is used to describe situations where information is presented in a way that is influenced by personal opinions or beliefs. In the context of media, biased reporting can lead to the spread of misinformation and the creation of false narratives. In politics, biased policies can lead to discrimination and inequality. In social issues, biased attitudes can lead to prejudice and intolerance.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms of the term ‘biased’, including partial, prejudiced, one-sided, slanted, and skewed. These words all describe situations where there is a lack of objectivity or fairness in the presentation of information.
Antonyms
The antonyms of the term ‘biased’ include objective, fair, impartial, unbiased, and neutral. These words describe situations where there is a lack of personal opinions or beliefs influencing the presentation of information.
The same root words
The root word of ‘biased’ is ‘bias’, which means a tendency or inclination towards a particular perspective. Other words that share this root include ‘biasedly’, ‘biasness’, ‘biasing’, and ‘unbiased’.
Example Sentences
- The news report was biased towards the government’s perspective.
- The judge was accused of being biased in favor of the defendant.
- The study was conducted in an unbiased manner to ensure accurate results.
- The teacher was careful to avoid any biased language in the classroom.
- The journalist’s article was criticized for being too one-sided and biased.