Vocabulary in context
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Discriminate
To recognize or identify differences between things; to distinguish. In a negative sense, to treat someone unfavorably because of prejudice or bias.
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Imagine 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.
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Sounds Like
dih-SKRIM-uh-nayt
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Looks Like
distinguish, discern
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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.
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Other Forms
discriminatesverb
discriminatingadjective
discriminatedverb
discriminationnoun
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Connect With
distinguish, differentiate, discern, bias, prejudice, fairness, equality
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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.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The archaeologist can discriminate between two pottery shards that look similar by examining the glaze and composition.
- Some employers have been criticized for discriminating against older applicants.
Synonyms
differentiatedistinguishdiscerntell apartrecognize differences
Antonyms
confuseblurmisidentify
Etymology
From Latin discriminare 'to distinguish, separate', from discriminum 'distinction, difference'; from dis- 'apart' + crimen 'distinction, judgment'.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: DISCRIMINATE = DISCERN DIFFERENCES. Remember that to discriminate is to discern differences between things.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Bias
nounA preference or inclination that prevents impartial judgment; a prejudice or leaning toward or against a person, group, or idea.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
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