discriminate

American  

[dih-skrim-uh-neyt, dih-skrim-uh-nit] / dɪˈskrɪm əˌneɪt, dɪˈskrɪm ə nɪt /

verb (used without object)

discriminated, discriminating

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.

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verb (used with object)

discriminated, discriminating

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 British  

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. to recognize or understand the difference (between); distinguish

   to discriminate right and wrong

   to discriminate between right and wrong

3. (intr) to constitute or mark a difference

4. (intr) to be discerning in matters of taste

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adjective

1. showing or marked by discrimination

Related Words

See distinguish.

Other Word Forms

• discriminately adverb
• discriminator noun
• half-discriminated adjective
• prediscriminate verb (used with object)
• undiscriminated adjective

Etymology

Origin of discriminate

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

Explanation

When you discriminate between two things, you can tell the difference between them and can tell them apart. The ability to discriminate between similar objects is important. For example, if you want to be a good root farmer, it helps if you can discriminate between a turnip and a parsnip. However, some people take it too far and discriminate against other people, treating them differently based on their physical characteristics or abilities. To be able to discriminate between a turnip and a radish is good, but to discriminate against people is not.

Example Sentences

The statute does not discriminate between state and federal officers, an issue that has tripped up other states trying to rein in immigration agents.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

The obvious solution is to discriminate between types of infrastructure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Unlike congressional tariffs under World Trade Organization rules, International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariffs discriminate from country to country – even on the same products.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2026

The idea is that, for some patients, the new medicines could improve the effects of the weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound, which don’t discriminate between fat and muscle.

From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026

The M’Naghten Rule, as has been previously stated, recognizes no form of insanity provided the defendant has the capacity to discriminate between right and wrong—legally, not morally.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

Related Words

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