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Added 9 October 2026

bias

/ˈbaɪ.əs/ noun

In Latin: praeiūdicium Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about bias at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation.
A line or cut across a fabric that is not at right angles to a side of the fabric.

verb

Influence in an unfair way.
you are biasing my choice by telling me yours
Cause to be biased.

adjective

Slanting diagonally across the grain of a fabric.
a bias fold

Origin

c. 1520 in the sense "oblique line". As a technical term in the game of bowls c. 1560, whence the figurative use (c. 1570). From Middle French biais, adverbially ("sideways, askance, against the grain") c. 1250, as a noun ("oblique angle, slant") from the late 16th century. The French word is likely from Old Occitan biais, itself of obscure origin, most likely from Vulgar Latin *biaxius (“with two axes”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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