IELTS Vocabulary: Understanding and Using ‘Prejudice’
Learn the meaning, usage, and importance of the word ‘prejudice’ for your IELTS exam. This lesson covers its definition as both a noun and verb, etymology, synonyms, antonyms, and common usage errors to help improve your English expression and IELTS score.
Imagine you’re walking down the street and you see someone dressed differently from everyone else. Do you make assumptions about them before even talking to them?
This is a common example of prejudice, the word we’re exploring today in our IELTS vocabulary lesson.
Word type: Prejudice is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it’s pronounced pre-ju-dis. As a verb, it’s pronounced pre-ju-dis.
Meaning: As a noun, prejudice refers to an unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially when formed without enough thought or knowledge.
As a verb, it means to influence someone to have an unfair or unreasonable opinion.
Word history: The word prejudice comes from the Latin praejudicium, meaning prior judgment.
It entered the English language in the thirteenth century, originally meaning injury or detriment. Over time, its meaning evolved to what we understand today.
Antonyms: Some opposites of prejudice include fairness, impartiality, and open-mindedness.
Synonyms: Words with similar meanings to prejudice include bias, discrimination, and preconception.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at how to use prejudice in context. As a noun: The company’s hiring practices were criticized for showing prejudice against older applicants.
As a verb: His negative experiences prejudiced him against trying new foods. Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing prejudice with discrimination.
While prejudice refers to unfair thoughts or feelings, discrimination is the action based on those prejudices.
Another error is using prejudice too broadly. Remember, it specifically refers to unfair or unreasonable opinions, not just any preference or dislike.
Understanding and using the word prejudice correctly can help you achieve a higher band score in your IELTS test.
It’s a valuable word for discussing social issues, a common topic in the speaking and writing sections.
Remember, prejudice is about forming opinions without proper knowledge or consideration. By learning this word, you’re taking a step towards more thoughtful and precise English expression.
