partiality

Everyday

1. Unfair support for one person or side over another: "The referee showed partiality." tree →
2. A special liking for something: "a partiality for chocolate". tree →

In the lessons

In school, sport and law, partiality is unfair: judges and referees must be impartial (not favouring anyone). In everyday or old-fashioned speech, "a partiality for" something means you really like it.

Examples

• The referee was accused of partiality towards the home team. tree →
• A judge must avoid partiality. tree →
• Grandpa has a partiality for strong cheese. tree →
• The teacher showed no partiality and treated us all the same. tree →
• Her partiality for cats was well known. tree →
• Partiality in a contest is unfair to the other players. tree →
• He gave judgments without partiality, hatred, ignorance, or fear. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable. Opposite: impartiality (being fair). Adjective: partial, which has two meanings: "unfair, favouring" and "liking" ("I'm partial to cake"), and also "not complete" ("a partial eclipse"). Do not mix up the meanings.