prej·u·dice
n (plural prej·u·dic·es)
1. opinion formed beforehand: a preformed opinion, usually an unfavorable one, based on insufficient knowledge, irrational feelings, or inaccurate stereotypes
2. the holding of ill-informed opinions: the holding of opinions that are formed beforehand on the basis of insufficient knowledge
3. irrational dislike of somebody: an unfounded hatred, fear, or mistrust of a person or group, especially one of a particular religion, ethnicity, nationality, or social status
4. law disadvantage or harm: disadvantage or harm caused to somebody or something
vt (past prej·u·diced, past participle prej·u·diced, present participle prej·u·dic·ing, 3rd person present singular prej·u·dic·es)
1. cause to prejudge somebody or something: to make somebody form an opinion about somebody or something in advance, especially an irrational one, based on insufficient knowledge
2. affect adversely: to cause harm or disadvantage to somebody or something
[13th century. Via French from Latin praejudicium “judgment in advance,” from judicium “judgment.”]
without prejudice
law; without doing any harm to somebody’s legal rights or any claim that somebody has (formal)
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pro·di·gious
adj
1. sizable: great in amount, size, or extent
2. marvelous: very impressive or amazing
3. ominous: portentous or ominous (archaic)
[Mid-16th century. From Latin prodigiosus "marvelous", from prodigium (see prodigy).]
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