discriminate

[dih-skrim-uh-neyt, dih-skrim-uh-nit]

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.

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

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

adjective

1. showing or marked by discrimination

Other Word Forms

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

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

He says he was discriminated against because of his religion.

Read more on Salon

It alleges that the UC system’s refusal to hire undocumented workers violates state law because it discriminates against students based on their immigration status.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Although parties of the right often are the beneficiaries, voters aren’t always discriminating when they choose between one political sledgehammer or another.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It will be illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against would-be tenants who receive benefits or who have children.

Read more on BBC

If you’re tempted to ask AI about a sensitive health issue, withhold any personally-identifiable details that you wouldn’t want to be used to discriminate against you for employment or insurance-related reasons.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• assess 
• discern 
• distinguish between www.thesaurus.com
• evaluate 
• narrow down www.thesaurus.com
• segregate 
• specify