Partiality

/ˌpɑːrʃiˈælɪti/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The state of being partial; a preference or bias towards one side or party.

The judge's impartiality was called into question due to his evident partiality towards the defendant.

An inclination to favor one group or viewpoint over others.

Her partiality for classical music made it difficult for her to appreciate other genres.

Favoritism shown towards a particular person or group.

The teacher was accused of partiality after consistently giving better grades to her favorite students.

From Late Middle English, from Old French 'partialité', from Latin 'partialitas'.

unreasonable partiality

An unjust favoritism that is not based on fair judgment.

showing partiality

Demonstrating an unfair preference for one side.

partiality towards

A biased inclination in favor of someone or something.

bias

A tendency to favor one side or opinion over another.

favoritism

The practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to a person or group.

prejudice

A preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.

Stacking the deck

He's stacking the deck by only inviting his friends to help him.

Playing favorites

The teacher was accused of playing favorites with some students.