prejudice
Definitions
An unfair, fixed opinion about a person or group, formed without enough knowledge
偏见，成见
Harm to someone's legal rights or interests
（法律上的）损害，不利
To cause someone to have an unfair opinion; to make biased
使产生偏见
To harm or damage someone's chances or interests
损害（利益、机会）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedpre- (before) + jūdicium (judgement) = a judgement made *before* the evidence. To prejudge is to decide in advance; prejudice is the fixed, unfair opinion that results. The legal sense ('without prejudice,' 'prejudice your case') keeps closer to the original 'harm/damage to a judgement.'
Root jur still carries 75 more wordsWhy It Means This
The word is its own definition: pre-judge. A prejudice is a verdict reached before you had the facts or the right to decide. The legal phrase 'without prejudice' means 'without harming your future rights' — the same root jūdicium, here in the sense of a judgement that could be damaged.
Usage Guide
- Social sense (most common): racial / gender prejudice, prejudice against a group — note the preposition is against.
- Legal sense (formal): 'dismissed without prejudice' = can be refiled later; 'this may prejudice your case' = harm it.
Don't confuse the two: in everyday English prejudice = bias; in law it leans toward 'harm to rights.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
We must work to overcome racial prejudice in the workplace.
- 2.
The lawyer argued the photos would prejudice the jury.
- 3.
The case was dismissed without prejudice, so she can sue again.
Easily Confused
prejudice vs. bias vs. discrimination — bias is a leaning, often unconscious and not always unfair ('selection bias'). prejudice is a stronger, hostile, pre-formed opinion. discrimination is the action of treating people unfairly. Lean → bias; fixed hostile belief → prejudice; unfair act → discrimination.