The word "bias" refers to a tendency to lean in a particular direction or to have an unfair preference for or against a person, group, or idea. It represents a subjective viewpoint that can affect judgment and decision-making, leading to unfair treatment and skewed perceptions. Bias can manifest in various contexts, such as in personal beliefs, social issues, or scientific research.
The word "bias" comes from the Middle French word "biais," meaning "slant" or "slope," which itself originated from the Latin word "bidas," a term related to the Greek word "bias," meaning "to incline." Its use has evolved over time to encompass notions of prejudice and favoritism.