Parcial vs. sesgado vs. tendencioso
The Spanish words 'parcial', 'sesgado', and 'tendencioso' have similar meanings related to bias or prejudice, but they are used in slightly different contexts. Below you will find a detailed definition of each word, along with contextual examples.
Parcial
'Parcial' means 'partial' and is generally used to describe someone or something that shows an inclination towards a particular side or party. It can be often found in the contexts of journalism and sports commentary where impartiality might be expected.
El árbitro fue acusado de ser parcial en su decisión.
(The referee was accused of being partial in his decision.)
La cobertura de las noticias es a menudo parcial.
(News coverage is often partial.)
Sesgado
'Sesgado' is more likely to mean 'biased' and often refers to something that has been twisted, distorted, or presented in a certain way to influence perception. It's frequently used in discussion of studies or reports.
El estudio está sesgado porque solo incluye a un tipo particular de personas.
(The study is biased because it only includes a particular type of people.)
La presentación de los hechos está sesgada para favorecer a un grupo.
(The presentation of facts is biased to favor one group.)
Tendencioso
'Tendencioso' translates to 'tendentious' and commonly refers to someone or something that intends to promote a specific point of view, particularly when this is controversial.
Sus comentarios son siempre tendenciosos y provocativos.
(His comments are always biased and provocative.)
La forma en que formuló las preguntas fue tendenciosa.
(The way he formulated the questions was biased.)
Summary
'Parcial', 'sesgado', and 'tendencioso' all indicate bias, yet with subtle differences. While 'parcial’ suggests favoritism, ‘sesgado' denotes distortion or skewness in representing information and 'tendencioso' implies intentionality in promoting a contentious point of view.