Difference Between
versus

Prejudice vs. Stereotype: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Prejudice is a preconceived opinion not based on reason or experience, while a stereotype is a generalized belief about a particular group of people.
Prejudice vs. Stereotype

Key Differences

Prejudice refers to prejudgment or forming an opinion before becoming aware of the relevant facts of a case. Stereotypes, however, are oversimplified generalized beliefs about a group that do not account for individual differences.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Prejudice is often rooted in emotions and personal biases, sometimes leading to discriminatory behavior. Stereotypes are more about cognitive processes, where complex information is simplified into generalizations.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Prejudice can be negative or positive but often leads to unfair treatment. Stereotypes, while they can be positive, are mostly negative and can reinforce societal biases.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Prejudice involves a personal element of feeling or attitude towards a group. Stereotypes are widely held but fixed and oversimplified images or ideas of a particular type of person.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Prejudice can manifest in behavior, whereas stereotypes are more about thoughts and beliefs, which can lead to prejudiced attitudes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

XDefinition

A preconceived opinion not based on reason or experience.
A generalized belief about a particular group of people.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Basis

Often emotional and based on personal biases.
Based on cognitive simplification of information.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Manifestation

Can result in discriminatory behavior.
Often leads to generalized assumptions.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Nature

Can be either negative or positive.
Usually negative, but can sometimes be positive.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Focus

Personal feeling or attitude towards a group.
Widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Prejudice and Stereotype Definitions

Prejudice

An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand.
She faced prejudice due to her background.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Stereotype

A standardized mental picture held in common by members of a group.
The stereotype of the successful businessman often includes being ruthless.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Prejudice

Dislike, hostility, or unjust behavior deriving from unfounded opinions.
Prejudice against older workers is common in some industries.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Stereotype

A generalized belief about a group applied to every member.
The stereotype that all teenagers are rebellious can be harmful.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Prejudice

A preconceived preference or idea.
The jury's prejudice about the defendant was clear.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Stereotype

Simplifying complex realities to generalized traits.
Stereotypes about gender roles persist in many societies.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Prejudice

The act or state of holding unreasonable preconceived judgments or convictions
“This is not actually a volume of the best short stories … These are just the stories that I like best, and I am full of prejudice and strong opinions” (Ann Patchett).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

A conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

An adverse judgment or opinion formed unfairly or without knowledge of the facts
A boy with a prejudice against unfamiliar foods.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

One that is regarded as embodying or conforming to a set image or type.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

Irrational suspicion or hatred of a particular social group, such as a race or the adherents of a religion.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

(Printing) A metal printing plate cast from a matrix molded from a raised printing surface, such as type.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

Detriment or harm caused to a person, especially in a legal case
The delay operated to her prejudice.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

To make a stereotype of.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

Preclusionary effect, preventing further pursuit of one's interests
The case was dismissed with prejudice.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

To characterize by a stereotype
"Elderly Americans are the neglected sector of the fashion industry, stereotyped by blue hair and polyester pantsuits" (American Demographics).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

To fill with prejudice or cause to judge with prejudice
My rural upbringing has prejudiced me against living in the city.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

To give a fixed, unvarying form to.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

To affect detrimentally or harmfully by a judgment or act
Negative media coverage prejudiced people's opinion of the mayor.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

To print from a stereotype.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

(countable) An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge of the facts.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

A conventional, formulaic, and often oversimplified or exaggerated conception, opinion, or image of (a person or a group of people).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

(countable) A preconception, any preconceived opinion or feeling, whether positive or negative.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

(psychology) A person who is regarded as embodying or conforming to a set image or type.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

(countable) An irrational hostile attitude, fear or hatred towards a particular group, race or religion.
I am free of all prejudices. I hate everyone equally.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

(printing) A metal printing plate cast from a matrix moulded from a raised printing surface.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

(obsolete) Knowledge formed in advance; foresight, presaging.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

(software engineering) An extensibility mechanism of the Unified Modeling Language, allowing a new element to be derived from an existing one with added specializations.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

Mischief; hurt; damage; injury; detriment.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

(transitive) To make a stereotype of someone or something, or characterize someone by a stereotype.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

(transitive) To have a negative impact on (someone's position, chances etc.).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

To prepare for printing in stereotype; to produce stereotype plates of.
To stereotype the Bible
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

(transitive) To cause prejudice in; to bias the mind of.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

To print from a stereotype.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

Misspelling of prejudiced
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

To make firm or permanent; to fix.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

Foresight.
Naught might hinder his quick prejudize.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

A plate forming an exact faximile of a page of type or of an engraving, used in printing books, etc.; specifically, a plate with type-metal face, used for printing.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

An opinion or judgment formed without due examination; prejudgment; a leaning toward one side of a question from other considerations than those belonging to it; an unreasonable predilection for, or objection against, anything; especially, an opinion or leaning adverse to anything, without just grounds, or before sufficient knowledge.
Though often misled by prejudice and passion, he was emphatically an honest man.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

The art or process of making such plates, or of executing work by means of them.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

A bias on the part of judge, juror, or witness which interferes with fairness of judgment.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

To prepare for printing in stereotype; to make the stereotype plates of; as, to stereotype the Bible.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

Mischief; hurt; damage; injury; detriment.
England and France might, through their amity,Breed him some prejudice.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

Fig.: To make firm or permanent; to fix.
Powerful causes tending to stereotype and aggravate the poverty of old conditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

To cause to have prejudice; to prepossess with opinions formed without due knowledge or examination; to bias the mind of, by hasty and incorrect notions; to give an unreasonable bent to, as to one side or the other of a cause; as, to prejudice a critic or a juryman.
Suffer not any beloved study to prejudice your mind so far as to despise all other learning.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

A conventional or formulaic conception or image;
Regional stereotypes have been part of America since its founding
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

To obstruct or injure by prejudices, or by previous bias of the mind; hence, generally, to hurt; to damage; to injure; to impair; as, to prejudice a good cause.
Seek how may prejudice the foe.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

Treat or classify according to a mental stereotype;
I was stereotyped as a lazy Southern European
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

A partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person.
The stereotype of the absent-minded professor is often seen in movies.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Prejudice

Disadvantage by prejudice
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Stereotype

A stereotype can also refer to a conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image.
She challenged the stereotype of a passive housewife in her writings.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Prejudice

Influence (somebody's) opinion in advance
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Prejudice

Prejudgment or forming an opinion without factual basis.
His decision was based on prejudice rather than facts.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Prejudice

Irrational suspicion or hatred of a particular group, race, or religion.
His comments revealed a deep-seated prejudice.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can prejudice be unconscious?

Yes, often people are not aware of their prejudices.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Can one be prejudiced in favor of a group?

Yes, positive prejudice is favoring a group without knowing them well.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Do stereotypes affect how people perceive others?

Yes, they can strongly influence perceptions and interactions.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Is prejudice always based on race or ethnicity?

No, it can be based on various factors like age, gender, or religion.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Can stereotypes change over time?

Yes, as societal attitudes and knowledge evolve, so can stereotypes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Do stereotypes always influence behavior?

Not always, but they can subtly influence decisions and actions.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Are prejudices always deliberate?

No, some prejudices are subconscious or implicit.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Are stereotypes always negative?

Not always, but they often contain a negative component.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Can prejudice lead to discrimination?

Yes, prejudice can manifest as discriminatory behavior.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Is stereotyping a form of prejudice?

It can be, especially when it leads to negative assumptions.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Is it possible to unlearn prejudice?

Yes, through self-awareness and education, prejudices can be unlearned.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Are all stereotypes harmful?

While not all are harmful, they can limit understanding of individuality.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Are children born with prejudices?

No, prejudices are learned from the social environment.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Can media perpetuate stereotypes?

Yes, media representations can reinforce or challenge stereotypes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Can prejudice affect mental health?

Yes, experiencing or harboring prejudice can impact mental well-being.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Can stereotypes be based on some truth?

They might originate from a grain of truth but are oversimplified.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Can education reduce prejudice?

Yes, education and exposure to diversity can help reduce prejudice.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Can prejudice be a form of stereotyping?

Prejudice often involves stereotyping as a component.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Do stereotypes simplify complex human traits?

Yes, they reduce individuals to basic, often inaccurate traits.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Can one person's actions change stereotypes?

Individual actions can challenge and potentially change stereotypes over time.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Share this page

Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

Smart TV vs. Android TVSmart TV vs. Android TV
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A Smart TV is an internet-connected television with a variety of apps, while an Android TV is specifically a Smart TV powered by Google's Android TV operating system.
Special Education vs. Inclusive EducationSpecial Education vs. Inclusive Education
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 17, 2024
Special Education is tailored instruction for students with disabilities, while Inclusive Education integrates all students, including those with disabilities, into general education settings.
C3 Plants vs. C4 PlantsC3 Plants vs. C4 Plants
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
C3 plants use a direct carbon fixation process, common in cooler climates, while C4 plants have a specialized mechanism, efficient in high light and temperature.
Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 8, 2024
The Seagate Exos X16 offers up to 16TB storage with a focus on high-capacity data centers, while the Exos X18 upgrades to 18TB, enhancing performance and capacity for enterprise demands.
Social Change vs. Cultural ChangeSocial Change vs. Cultural Change
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Social change refers to shifts in societal structures and institutions, impacting behaviors and relationships among people. Cultural change pertains to alterations in a group's shared beliefs, values, and customs, influencing their way of life.
Compression Wood vs. Tension WoodCompression Wood vs. Tension Wood
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Compression Wood is a denser, abnormal growth in softwood trees under mechanical stress, whereas Tension Wood is a less dense, fibrous growth in hardwoods under similar stress.
Gavage vs. LavageGavage vs. Lavage
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Gavage is the process of feeding a person or animal by inserting a tube into the stomach, while lavage is the washing out of a body cavity, such as the stomach, typically for medical treatment.
Travel Agent vs. Tour OperatorTravel Agent vs. Tour Operator
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A travel agent is a professional who arranges travel plans for individuals, while a tour operator designs and manages complete travel packages.
Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 1, 2024
Gorilla Glass 3 offers improved scratch resistance and durability compared to its predecessors, while Gorilla Glass 5 focuses on enhanced drop protection and toughness.
Plant Cell vs. Animal CellPlant Cell vs. Animal Cell
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts for photosynthesis, while animal cells lack these but have centrioles.
Term vs. SemesterTerm vs. Semester
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Term is a general period for any division of the academic year, while Semester specifically refers to half of an academic year.
Nanomaterials vs. NanoparticlesNanomaterials vs. Nanoparticles
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Nanomaterials are diverse materials with components smaller than 100nm, whereas nanoparticles are specific, ultrafine particles within this size range.
Hard Copy vs. Soft CopyHard Copy vs. Soft Copy
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A Hard Copy is a physical version of a document or file, usually on paper, while a Soft Copy is a digital version of the document, stored electronically.
Sausage vs. SmokieSausage vs. Smokie
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A sausage is a type of meat product usually made from ground meat, often pork, beef, or poultry, while a smokie is a specific type of smoked sausage.
Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese EyesJapanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Japanese Eyes and Chinese Eyes refer to linguistic structures in Japanese and Chinese respectively, each reflecting unique aspects of grammar and syntax.
Absolute Privilege vs. Qualified PrivilegeAbsolute Privilege vs. Qualified Privilege
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 26, 2023
Absolute privilege is a complete defense against defamation claims, often used in legal or parliamentary contexts, while qualified privilege offers conditional protection, requiring the absence of malice.
2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
2 Pole Motors have one pair of magnetic poles and run at higher speeds, while 4 Pole Motors have two pairs of poles and operate at lower speeds, offering higher torque.
Batch Fermentation vs. Continuous FermentationBatch Fermentation vs. Continuous Fermentation
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 10, 2024
Batch Fermentation is a finite process where nutrients are added at the start and products are harvested at the end, whereas Continuous Fermentation involves a steady input of nutrients and continuous product harvest.
Analog Computer vs. Digital ComputerAnalog Computer vs. Digital Computer
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
An Analog Computer processes continuous data, whereas a Digital Computer processes data in discrete numerical form.
Handsome vs. SmartHandsome vs. Smart
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Handsome describes physical attractiveness, focusing on looks, while smart denotes intelligence or cleverness, related to mental capabilities.
Consecutive vs. SubsequentConsecutive vs. Subsequent
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Consecutive refers to events or things following one after another in uninterrupted sequence, whereas subsequent denotes following in time or order, but not necessarily immediately afterward.
Goth vs. AltGoth vs. Alt
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 5, 2024
Goth is a dark, often Victorian-influenced subculture and style, while Alt (alternative) is a broader term encompassing non-mainstream styles and attitudes.
System Call vs. System ProgramSystem Call vs. System Program
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 9, 2024
A System Call is an interface for programs to request services from the operating system, while a System Program is software that provides basic functions for computer operation.
Fast Food vs. Traditional FoodFast Food vs. Traditional Food
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Fast Food is quick, convenient, and often pre-prepared, while Traditional Food emphasizes cultural recipes, longer preparation times, and home cooking.

Featured Comparisons

New Comparisons