Definition

1. Noun:
   • A preconceived opinion or bias formed without adequate evidence: "parti pris" refers to a judgment or viewpoint established in advance, often without proper consideration of facts or information. It implies a predisposition that may prevent impartial assessment.

Usage

• As a noun: "Parti pris" functions as a countable noun, typically used in formal or academic contexts to describe a state of prejudgment.
  • The reviewer's analysis was dismissed due to a clear parti pris in favor of the author's earlier work.
  • A good judge must strive to avoid any parti pris before hearing all the evidence.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To have a parti pris": To hold a preconceived bias.
  • It is difficult to negotiate when both sides have a strong parti pris.
• "To act from/out of parti pris": To behave based on a preconceived notion.
  • The manager's decision seemed to act out of parti pris rather than objective data.

Variants and Related Words

• Preconception (n): An idea or opinion formed beforehand.
• Prejudice (n): A preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience, often carrying a stronger negative connotation of unfairness.
• Bias (n): Inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfair.

Synonyms

• Preconception
• Prejudice
• Predisposition
• Prejudgment
• Bias

Notes on Meaning

• Nuance: While "parti pris" is a direct synonym for "preconception" or "bias," it is a loanword from French, often used in English to add a formal or sophisticated tone. It specifically emphasizes the idea of a position taken ("parti") the facts are fully considered.

Noun

1. an opinion formed beforehand without adequate evidence
   • he did not even try to confirm his preconceptions