The act of causing someone or something to lean toward a particular direction or preference, often unfairly or unconsciously.
From 'bias' (French 'biais' meaning slant or oblique line) plus the present participle suffix '-ing'. The word evolved from a weaving term describing diagonal cuts to describe metaphorical leanings.
The word 'bias' originally described how fabric was cut diagonally across the grain—it still applies to how our minds are 'cut' to naturally lean one direction, which is why we all have cognitive biases we don't even notice!
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