Predilection, bias, naivete: distinct meanings
Distinctions of definitions matter. This post highlights three words that sometimes get incorrectly lumped together in use.
This post is a brief lesson about the distinctions between 1. predilection, 2. bias, and 3. naivete
- predilection: this is a preference that one has for something, which is based on any variety of elements of one’s individuality, to which an individual is endowed with by his personal choice.
“He has a predilection for chocolate ice cream.” “He has a predilection for blonde haired women.” “He has a predilection for suspenseful novels.”
“She has a predilection for vanilla shakes.” “She has a predilection for solving equations.” “She has a predilection for Republican values and candidates.”
Predilection has to do with one’s interest, one’s preference, one’s sense of familiarity and choosing.
2. bias: this is similar to predilection; however, it is more accurately confined by definition to a supposed absence of proper evaluation or experience level.
“He always refuses to read the column, though he has never read it.” “He never goes to that store, though he never has been.”
“She insists on shutting him up, though she’s never listened to him.” “She refuses to compliment him, though she has not heard him say anything.”
3. naivete: unlike the prior two words, this word has nothing to do with an established preference supported by being accustomed to, having supportive information about, or carrying out a learned preference. Nor, does it have anything to do with established personal experience. In fact, it has to do with a lack of information, or lack of decisiveness. Naivete is a void of information. One who is blind to truth, is subject to naivete.
“He did not know that there were dishonest people, and so he had a naive world view.” “He believed that all people are good, and so he was naive.”
“She took things at face value, and so she was naive.” “She did not know that men could harm her, and so she was naive.” “She had a disability which rendered her naive.”
My next blog post, likely tomorrow, will be about 3 other words!