What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preconception
Example
I had a preconception that the movie would be boring, but it turned out to be quite entertaining. [preconception: noun]
Example
Her preconceptions about the new employee made her hesitant to work with him. [preconceptions: plural noun]
bias
Example
The news article was biased towards one political party and did not present a balanced view. [biased: adjective]
Example
She had a bias towards hiring candidates from prestigious universities. [bias: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bias is more commonly used than preconception in everyday language, especially in social, political, or institutional contexts. Preconception is less common and often used in personal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between preconception and bias?
Both preconception and bias can be used in formal and informal contexts, but bias is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels.