discriminate

[ verb dih-skrim-uh-neyt; adjective dih-skrim-uh-nit ]

verb (used without object)

, dis·crim·i·nat·ed, dis·crim·i·nat·ing.

1. to make a distinction in favor of or against a person or thing on the basis of the group, class, or category to which the person or thing belongs rather than according to actual merit; show partiality:

   The new law discriminates against foreigners. He discriminates in favor of his relatives.

2. to note or observe a difference; distinguish accurately:

   to discriminate between things.

verb (used with object)

, dis·crim·i·nat·ed, dis·crim·i·nat·ing.

1. to make or constitute a distinction in or between; differentiate:

   a mark that discriminates the original from the copy.

2. to note or distinguish as different:

   He can discriminate minute variations in tone.

adjective

1. marked by discrimination; making or evidencing nice distinctions:

   discriminate people; discriminate judgments.

discriminate

verb

1. intr; usually foll by in favour of or against to single out a particular person, group, etc, for special favour or, esp, disfavour, often because of a characteristic such as race, colour, sex, intelligence, etc
2. whenintr, foll by between or among to recognize or understand the difference (between); distinguish

   to discriminate between right and wrong

   to discriminate right and wrong

3. intr to constitute or mark a difference
4. intr to be discerning in matters of taste

adjective

1. showing or marked by discrimination

Derived Forms

• disˈcrimiˌnator, noun
• disˈcriminately, adverb

Other Words From

• dis·crimi·nate·ly adverb
• half-dis·crimi·nated adjective
• predis·crimi·nate verb (used with object) prediscriminated prediscriminating
• undis·crimi·nated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discriminate¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin discrīminātus “separated,” past participle of discrīmināre “to separate”; discriminant

Word History and Origins

Origin of discriminate¹

C17: from Latin discrīmināre to divide, from discrīmen a separation, from discernere to discern

Synonym Study

See distinguish.

Example Sentences

“When we got there we were told to discriminate against people,” a whistleblower told the outlet.

From BBC

It was, our correspondent said, shameful that disabled passengers flying out of British airports should still be discriminated against in this way.

From BBC

A former firefighter is suing Los Angeles County, alleging he was discriminated against over his disability and endured his co-worker’s homophobic harassment in the workplace.

From Los Angeles Times

An employee of the school claimed her hours were drastically cut and that she felt discriminated against based on her cultural background.

From Los Angeles Times

The focus was on his claims of being discriminated against because of his skin color and being profiled because he’s Muslim.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assess
• discern
• distinguish between
• evaluate
• narrow down
• segregate
• specify