Biased to one party; inclined to favor one party in a cause, or one side of a question, more than the other; not indifferent. It is important to justice that a judge should not be partial. Self-love will make men partial to themselves and friends.

Inclined to favor without reason. Authors are partial to their wit, and critics to their judgment.

Affecting a part only; not general or universal; not total. It has been much disputed whether the deluge was partial or total. All partial evil, universal good.

More strongly inclined to one thing than to others.

In botany, subordinate; applied to subdivisions; as a partial umbel or umbellicle; a partial peduncle. A partial involucre is placed at the foot of a partial umbel.