Bias has 10 different meanings across 4 categories:
Noun · Verb · Adjective · Proper Noun
a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
"The judge's long-standing bias against the defense prevented him from considering all evidence objectively."
Inclination towards something.
"The teacher showed a clear bias toward students who asked enthusiastic questions."
In plain English: Bias is when someone unfairly favors one side over another because of their own feelings or beliefs instead of looking at all the facts.
Usage: Use "bias" as a noun when referring to an unfair preference or prejudice toward someone, rather than the physical diagonal weave of fabric described in older definitions. This word often confuses learners because it describes a mental inclination that influences judgment, distinct from objective facts.
cause to be biased
"The teacher's comments caused me to become biased against her students."
To place bias upon; to influence.
"The judge was accused of bias when he allowed his personal beliefs to influence his ruling on the case."
In plain English: To bias something means to unfairly influence it so that you get the result you want instead of what is actually true.
"The media's new owner biased the reporting to favor his political views."
Inclined to one side; swelled on one side.
"The old wooden table had a noticeable bias, causing it to wobble whenever placed on level ground."
In plain English: Bias means having an unfair preference for something that makes you see things differently from how they really are.
"The biased judge seemed to favor his friend during the trial."
In a slanting manner; crosswise; obliquely; diagonally.
"The sail was torn when it caught the wind in a bias, causing it to billow unevenly across the yard."
In plain English: To bias something means to unfairly favor one side over another when making a choice or judgment.
"The judge listened to both sides without bias before making her decision."
One of the Seven Sages of Greece from Priene, living in the 6th century BC.
"The ancient inscription mistakenly identified Bias as a philosopher rather than recognizing him as one of the Seven Sages of Greece from Priene who lived in the 6th century BC."
The English word bias originally meant an oblique line or angle when it entered in Middle French around 1520. It later developed a figurative sense regarding unfair prejudice shortly after being adopted as technical terminology for the game of bowls.