partiality

American  

[pahr-shee-al-i-tee, pahr-shal-] / ˌpɑr ʃiˈæl ɪ ti, pɑrˈʃæl- /

noun

plural

partialities

1. the state or character of being partial.

2. a favorable bias or prejudice.

   the partiality of parents for their own children.

   Synonyms:

   favoritism

3. a special fondness, preference, or liking (usually followed by to orfor ).

   a partiality for country living.

   Synonyms:

   predilection, bent, inclination, leaning

   Antonyms:

   dislike

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partiality British  

/ ˌpɑːʃɪˈælɪtɪ /

noun

1. favourable prejudice or bias

2. (usually foll by for) liking or fondness

3. the state or condition of being partial

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Other Word Forms

• nonpartiality noun
• overpartiality noun

Etymology

Origin of partiality

1375–1425; late Middle English parcialite < Medieval Latin partiālitās. See partial, -ity

Example Sentences

For that reason, they are expected to avoid public statements displaying partiality because such statements undermine public trust in the legal system.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2025

Thus, judicial remarks during the course of a trial that are critical or disapproving of, or even hostile to, counsel, the parties, or their cases, ordinarily do not support a bias or partiality challenge.

From Slate • Sep. 13, 2023

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court for the First Department unanimously affirmed Cohen’s decision in October 2020, ruling the Orioles failed to establish evident partiality in the second arbitration panel.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 1, 2023

“The I.R.S. is not aware of any reports of improper bias or partiality in the conduct of an officeholder’s examination in the more than 40-year history of the mandatory procedures,” it said.

From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2022

All John Reed’s violent tyrannies, all his sisters’ proud indifference, all his mother’s aversion, all the servants’ partiality, turned up in my disturbed mind like a dark deposit in a turbid well.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë