bias
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1bi·as
noun \ˈbī-əs\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
See Examples of BIAS
- He showed a bias toward a few workers in particular.
- Do they have a bias against women?
- The company was accused of racial bias.
- The decision was made without bias.
- She showed no bias toward older clients.
- a student with a strong bias towards the arts
- … 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
First Known Use: 1530
Related to BIAS
- Synonyms
- favor, nonobjectivity, one-sidedness, partiality, parti pris, partisanship, ply, prejudice, tendentiousness
- Antonyms
- impartiality, neutrality, objectivity, open-mindedness, unbiasedness
See Synonym Discussion at predilection
Other Psychology Terms
2bi·as
adjective \ˈbī-əs\Definition of BIAS
Origin of BIAS
(see 1bias)
First Known Use: 1551
3bi·as
adverb \ˈbī-əs\Definition of BIAS
1
: diagonally <cut cloth bias>
2
obsolete : awry
Examples of BIAS
- <made of fabric cut bias>
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
4bi·as
transitive verb \ˈbī-əs\ bi·ased or bi·assed bi·as·ing or bi·as·sing
Definition of BIAS
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)
Examples of BIAS
- I don't want to bias you against the movie, but I thought the book was much better.
- The circumstances could bias the results of the survey.
- 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
Bias
geographical nameDefinition of BIAS
— see beas
Learn More About BIAS
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