Prejudiced vs. Prejudice — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 7, 2024
Prejudiced is an adjective describing someone or something exhibiting bias or discrimination, while prejudice is a noun referring to preconceived opinions not based on reason or experience.
Difference Between Prejudiced and Prejudice
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Prejudiced individuals or entities demonstrate a biased attitude, often resulting in unfair treatment of others based on preconceived notions. Prejudice, in contrast, is the actual bias or assumption that influences these attitudes and behaviors, existing independently of any one individual's actions.
Being prejudiced involves holding biases that can affect one’s behavior towards others, reflecting a state of mind influenced by prejudice. On the other hand, prejudice itself can exist as a societal or cultural phenomenon, influencing the attitudes and actions of many, without requiring conscious acknowledgment from those it affects.
Prejudiced behavior or attitudes are manifestations of underlying prejudices, which can be based on race, gender, age, religion, or any other distinguishing characteristic. Whereas prejudice is the broader concept that encompasses these negative assumptions or biases towards certain groups or individuals.
Addressing prejudiced individuals often involves challenging their personal beliefs and behaviors to foster change. In contrast, combating prejudice at a societal level requires systemic change and education to alter widespread attitudes and beliefs.
The relationship between being prejudiced and holding prejudices is direct; one cannot be prejudiced without harboring some form of prejudice, but prejudice can exist without being actively expressed by individuals. This distinction highlights the potential for societal change through education and awareness.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Noun
Definition
Exhibiting bias or discrimination against others.
A preconceived opinion not based on reason or experience.
Manifestation
In individuals' behavior or attitudes.
As a societal or cultural phenomenon.
Relation to Behavior
Reflects the act of discriminating based on biases.
The underlying bias or assumption causing discrimination.
Requires Expression?
Yes, through actions or attitudes.
No, can exist without direct expression.
Focus
On the individual's state of being.
On the concept or belief itself.
Addressing the Issue
Through personal intervention and changing beliefs.
Requires broader societal change and education.
Compare with Definitions
Prejudiced
Biased or discriminating unfairly against certain groups.
The prejudiced landlord refused to rent to families with children.
Prejudice
A preconceived belief affecting one's perception.
Cultural prejudice often leads to misunderstandings between communities.
Prejudiced
Holding preconceived judgments about others.
She was prejudiced against coworkers from different cultural backgrounds.
Prejudice
An unfounded or biased opinion formed beforehand.
His prejudice against modern art prevented him from appreciating the exhibit.
Prejudiced
Acting with bias due to personal beliefs.
His prejudiced comments at meetings often made others uncomfortable.
Prejudice
A societal issue involving widespread biases.
Fighting prejudice requires changing societal attitudes and educating the public.
Prejudiced
Exhibiting favoritism or bias in decisions.
The committee’s prejudiced selection process was criticized for its lack of diversity.
Prejudice
Holding stereotypes about a group or category.
Prejudice towards immigrants is fueled by misinformation.
Prejudiced
Reflecting deep-seated biases in behavior.
Prejudiced attitudes in the workplace can contribute to a toxic environment.
Prejudice
Discrimination or bias without just grounds.
Prejudice based on age is a common issue in hiring practices.
Prejudiced
The act or state of holding unreasonable preconceived judgments or convictions
“This is not actually a volume of the best short stories … These are just the stories that I like best, and I am full of prejudice and strong opinions” (Ann Patchett).
Prejudice
The act or state of holding unreasonable preconceived judgments or convictions
“This is not actually a volume of the best short stories … These are just the stories that I like best, and I am full of prejudice and strong opinions” (Ann Patchett).
Prejudiced
An adverse judgment or opinion formed unfairly or without knowledge of the facts
A boy with a prejudice against unfamiliar foods.
Prejudice
An adverse judgment or opinion formed unfairly or without knowledge of the facts
A boy with a prejudice against unfamiliar foods.
Prejudiced
Irrational suspicion or hatred of a particular social group, such as a race or the adherents of a religion.
Prejudice
Irrational suspicion or hatred of a particular social group, such as a race or the adherents of a religion.
Prejudiced
Detriment or harm caused to a person, especially in a legal case
The delay operated to her prejudice.
Prejudice
Detriment or harm caused to a person, especially in a legal case
The delay operated to her prejudice.
Prejudiced
Preclusionary effect, preventing further pursuit of one's interests
The case was dismissed with prejudice.
Prejudice
Preclusionary effect, preventing further pursuit of one's interests
The case was dismissed with prejudice.
Prejudiced
To fill with prejudice or cause to judge with prejudice
My rural upbringing has prejudiced me against living in the city.
Prejudice
To fill with prejudice or cause to judge with prejudice
My rural upbringing has prejudiced me against living in the city.
Prejudiced
To affect detrimentally or harmfully by a judgment or act
Negative media coverage prejudiced people's opinion of the mayor.
Prejudice
To affect detrimentally or harmfully by a judgment or act
Negative media coverage prejudiced people's opinion of the mayor.
Prejudiced
Simple past tense and past participle of prejudice
Prejudice
(countable) An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge of the facts.
Prejudiced
Having prejudices.
Prejudice
(countable) A preconception, any preconceived opinion or feeling, whether positive or negative.
Prejudiced
Emanating from a person's emotions and prejudices
Prejudice
(countable) An irrational hostile attitude, fear or hatred towards a particular group, race or religion.
I am free of all prejudices. I hate everyone equally.
Prejudiced
Being biased or having a belief or attitude formed beforehand;
A prejudiced judge
Prejudice
(obsolete) Knowledge formed in advance; foresight, presaging.
Prejudice
Mischief; hurt; damage; injury; detriment.
Prejudice
(transitive) To have a negative impact on (someone's position, chances etc.).
Prejudice
(transitive) To cause prejudice in; to bias the mind of.
Prejudice
Foresight.
Naught might hinder his quick prejudize.
Prejudice
An opinion or judgment formed without due examination; prejudgment; a leaning toward one side of a question from other considerations than those belonging to it; an unreasonable predilection for, or objection against, anything; especially, an opinion or leaning adverse to anything, without just grounds, or before sufficient knowledge.
Though often misled by prejudice and passion, he was emphatically an honest man.
Prejudice
A bias on the part of judge, juror, or witness which interferes with fairness of judgment.
Prejudice
Mischief; hurt; damage; injury; detriment.
England and France might, through their amity,Breed him some prejudice.
Prejudice
To cause to have prejudice; to prepossess with opinions formed without due knowledge or examination; to bias the mind of, by hasty and incorrect notions; to give an unreasonable bent to, as to one side or the other of a cause; as, to prejudice a critic or a juryman.
Suffer not any beloved study to prejudice your mind so far as to despise all other learning.
Prejudice
To obstruct or injure by prejudices, or by previous bias of the mind; hence, generally, to hurt; to damage; to injure; to impair; as, to prejudice a good cause.
Seek how may prejudice the foe.
Prejudice
A partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
Prejudice
Disadvantage by prejudice
Prejudice
Influence (somebody's) opinion in advance
Common Curiosities
How can prejudice be overcome?
Overcoming prejudice involves education, self-reflection, and exposure to diverse perspectives to challenge and change preconceived notions.
What does it mean to be prejudiced?
Being prejudiced means exhibiting unfair bias or discrimination towards others based on preconceived opinions.
Is prejudice always negative?
While prejudice is generally negative due to its basis in unfounded bias, the term itself refers to any preconceived opinion, positive or negative.
Can someone be prejudiced without realizing it?
Yes, individuals can hold prejudiced beliefs unconsciously, affecting their behavior without conscious awareness.
What causes someone to be prejudiced?
Prejudiced attitudes can result from a variety of factors, including upbringing, cultural influences, personal experiences, and societal norms.
Can prejudice exist without discrimination?
Yes, prejudice can exist as an attitude or belief without manifesting as overt discrimination, though it often leads to discriminatory behaviors.
Is it possible to be completely free of prejudice?
While it's challenging to be entirely free of prejudice due to unconscious biases, continuous effort and awareness can significantly reduce prejudiced attitudes.
How does prejudice influence behavior?
Prejudice influences behavior by shaping negative attitudes and beliefs that lead to discriminatory actions against certain groups or individuals.
How do societal prejudices form?
Societal prejudices form through historical, cultural, and social influences that perpetuate stereotypes and biases across generations.
Can educating people reduce prejudice?
Education plays a crucial role in reducing prejudice by providing accurate information, fostering empathy, and promoting understanding among diverse groups.
Can legal measures address prejudice effectively?
Legal measures can address acts of discrimination stemming from prejudice but may not fully eliminate the underlying attitudes and beliefs.
What is the difference between being prejudiced and having a preference?
Being prejudiced involves negative bias without reasonable justification, whereas having a preference is choosing based on personal likes or dislikes with a rationale.
Why is it important to address prejudiced attitudes in children?
Addressing prejudiced attitudes in children is crucial for preventing the perpetuation of biases and fostering a more inclusive society.
How does prejudice differ across cultures?
Prejudice differs across cultures in its targets, intensity, and manifestations, influenced by historical, social, and economic factors specific to each culture.
How does prejudice affect social interactions?
Prejudice can negatively affect social interactions by creating barriers, fostering hostility, and preventing meaningful connections between people.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
