Discriminate
To recognize or identify differences between things; to distinguish. In a negative sense, to treat someone unfavorably because of prejudice or bias.
verbDiscriminate
To recognize or identify differences between things; to distinguish. In a negative sense, to treat someone unfavorably because of prejudice or bias.
verbImagine This
Imagine a scientist comparing two minerals that look nearly identical. By testing color under a lamp and measuring refractive indices, she discriminates between them and identifies which is which.
Sounds Like
dih-SKRIM-uh-nayt
Looks Like
distinguish, discern
Remember This
The base meaning of discriminate is to distinguish differences. The negative sense (to treat someone unfairly) is common in modern usage and gives rise to the word discriminatory.
Other Forms
Connect With
distinguish, differentiate, discern, bias, prejudice, fairness, equality
Note
Use discriminate to mean 'distinguish' rather than 'judge morally.' The phrase 'discriminate against' refers to unfair treatment of a person or group; in neutral contexts, simply 'discriminate between' means to tell apart.