First Known Use: 1530
Dictionary
1bias
noun bi·as \ˈbī-əs\
: a tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others that usually results in treating some people unfairly
: a strong interest in something or ability to do something
Full Definition of BIAS
1
: a line diagonal to the grain of a fabric; especially : a line at a 45 degree angle to the selvage often utilized in the cutting of garments for smoother fit
2
a : a peculiarity in the shape of a bowl that causes it to swerve when rolled on the green in lawn bowling b : the tendency of a bowl to swerve; also : the impulse causing this tendency c : the swerve of the bowl
3
a : bent, tendency b : an inclination of temperament or outlook; especially : a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment : prejudice c : an instance of such prejudice d (1) : deviation of the expected value of a statistical estimate from the quantity it estimates (2) : systematic error introduced into sampling or testing by selecting or encouraging one outcome or answer over others
4
a : a voltage applied to a device (as a transistor control electrode) to establish a reference level for operation b : a high-frequency voltage combined with an audio signal to reduce distortion in tape recording
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Examples of BIAS
- … members of the opinion media will cherry-pick moments from the debate that support their own ideological biases. —Michelle Cottle, New Republic, 16 Oct. 2000
- Blatant racial and gender discrimination is just about over, creating a sociological space in which to worry about subtler forms of bias. —Gregg Easterbrook, New Republic, 20 Dec. 1999
- Like the printing press before it, the computer has a powerful bias toward amplifying personal autonomy and individual problem-solving. —Katha Pollitt, Nation, 9 Oct. 1995
- [+]more
Origin of BIAS
Middle French biais
Related to BIAS
- Synonyms
- favor, nonobjectivity, one-sidedness, partiality, parti pris, partisanship, ply, prejudice, tendentiousness
- Antonyms
- impartiality, neutrality, objectivity, open-mindedness, unbiasedness
Synonym Discussion of BIAS
predilection, prepossession, prejudice, bias mean an attitude of mind that predisposes one to favor something. predilection implies a strong liking deriving from one's temperament or experience <a predilection for travel>. prepossession suggests a fixed conception likely to preclude objective judgment of anything counter to it <a prepossession against technology>. prejudice usually implies an unfavorable prepossession and connotes a feeling rooted in suspicion, fear, or intolerance <a mindless prejudice against the unfamiliar>. bias implies an unreasoned and unfair distortion of judgment in favor of or against a person or thing <a strong bias toward the plaintiff>.
Other Psychology Terms
2bias
adjective bi·as \ˈbī-əs\
Definition of BIAS
Origin of BIAS
(see 1bias)
First Known Use: 1551
3bias
adverb bi·as \ˈbī-əs\
Definition of BIAS
1
: diagonally <cut cloth bias>
2
obsolete : awry
Origin of BIAS
(see 1bias)
First Known Use: 1575
Related to BIAS
- Synonyms
- athwart, crosswise, cornerways, cornerwise, crossways, diagonally, kitty-corner (also catty-corner or catercorner or kitty-cornered or catty-cornered or catercornered), obliquely, transversely
Other Clothing Terms
4bias
verb bi·as \ˈbī-əs\
: to have a strong and often unfair influence on (someone or something)
bi·ased or bi·assedbi·as·ing or bi·as·sing
Full Definition of BIAS
transitive verb
1
: to give a settled and often prejudiced outlook to <his background biases him against foreigners>
2
: to apply a slight negative or positive voltage to (as a transistor)
See bias defined for English-language learners
Examples of BIAS
- Unfortunately, his convictions are not clearly and logically developed; they mostly lurk in the background biasing his reporting. He does not always give the reader a fair chance to follow the arguments of the actors—even those with whom he ardently agrees. —Leonard Silk, New York Times Book Review24 Feb. 1980
Origin of BIAS
(see 1bias)
First Known Use: circa 1628
Synonym Discussion of BIAS
incline, bias, dispose, predispose mean to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something. incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions <I incline to agree>. bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice <the experience biased him against foreigners>. dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something <her nature disposes her to trust others>. predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself <does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?>.
Bias
geographical name
Definition of BIAS
— see beas
BIASNESS Defined for Kids
1bias
noun bi·as \ˈbī-əs\
Definition of BIAS for Kids
1
: a seam, cut, or stitching running in a slant across cloth
2
: a favoring of some ideas or people over others : prejudice <She has a bias against newcomers.>
2bias
verb
bi·ased or bi·assedbi·as·ing or bi·as·sing
Definition of BIAS for Kids
: to give a prejudiced outlook to <Existing ideas may bias his observation of events.>
Learn More About BIAS
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