Prejudice

Noun

Definition: A preconceived opinion or feeling towards a person or group that is not based on reason or actual experience.

Synonyms: Bias, Discrimination, Bigotry

Antonyms: Fairness, Impartiality, Open-mindedness

Examples:

His prejudice against individuals of a different race prevented him from treating them equally.
The jury's prejudice influenced their decision in the case.

Mnemonics:

Prejudice is like pre-judging someone without knowing them.

Verb

Definition: To pre-judge or form a preconceived opinion without reason or actual experience.

Synonyms: Judge, Stereotype, Discriminate

Antonyms: Trust, Accept, Embrace

Examples:

Don't prejudice her based on her appearance; get to know her first.
He prejudiced himself against the new employee before even meeting him.

Mnemonics:

Prejudice can also mean prejudging a situation.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English (originally in the sense 'injury, detriment'), from Old French 'prejudice' and Latin 'praejudicium', from 'prae' meaning 'before' and 'judicium' meaning 'judgment'.

Historical Usage:

The word 'prejudice' has been used since the 13th century in English, evolving from its original meaning of 'injury' to its current meaning of 'preconceived opinion or bias'.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Prejudice and discrimination go hand in hand."

Explanation:

This expression highlights the close relationship between prejudice and discrimination, suggesting that they often occur together.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Prejudice is the same as discrimination.

Explanation:

While prejudice and discrimination are closely related, they are not identical. Prejudice refers to preconceived opinions or bias, while discrimination involves unequal treatment based on those biases. Prejudice can exist without leading to discrimination, but discrimination is usually rooted in prejudice.