Bias

/ˈbaɪəs/intermediatenoun

If you came here for 'bias' meaning and a sentence you can actually reuse, read the definition below, then skim the examples for the register that fits your situation.

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Meaning

A tendency to prefer or lean toward one thing, person, or group unfairly or without good reason.

Memory trick

BIAS: think of a slanted line, your view is tilted toward one side.

Examples

1

Confirmation bias makes us favor evidence that supports what we already believe.

2

The hiring process was redesigned to reduce bias.

3

The survey results may show bias if the sample is not representative.

Synonyms

prejudicepartialityslantinclinationpredispositionfavoritismskew

Antonyms

impartialityneutralityobjectivityfairnessevenhandedness

Etymology

From Old French biais "slant, slope, oblique," of uncertain origin; later extended to figurative slant or prejudice.

Usage Notes

Widely used in psychology, AI, journalism, and everyday decision-making. Can also mean a statistical skew.

Real-life contexts

1

Use in analysis: "Check for bias in how we framed the question."

2

Use in teams: "Let’s name our bias so it doesn’t drive the decision."

3

Use in learning: "Awareness of bias is the first step to reducing it."

Common Mistakes

Bias is the tendency itself; “biased” is the adjective describing someone or something that shows it.

Bias: Meaning, Examples & How to Remember It | WordFlippin