discriminate

verb

dis·​crim·​i·​nate di-ˈskri-mə-ˌnāt How to pronounce discriminate (audio)
discriminated; discriminating

transitive verb

1
a
: to mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of
Depth perception may be defined as the ability to appreciate or discriminate the third dimension …H. G. Armstrong
b
: distinguish, differentiate
discriminate hundreds of colors
2
: to distinguish by discerning or exposing differences : to recognize or identify as separate and distinct
discriminate right from wrong
especially : to distinguish from another like object
discriminate the individual voices in the choir

intransitive verb

1
a
: to make a distinction
discriminate among historical sources
discriminates between literary fiction and popular fiction
b
: to use good judgment
2
: to make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit
discriminate in favor of your friends
discriminate against a certain nationality

Did you know?

Although many methods or motives for discriminating are unfair and undesirable (or even illegal), the verb itself has a neutral history. English speakers borrowed it from the past participle of the Latin verb discriminare (meaning "to distinguish or differentiate"), which, itself, is derived from the verb discernere, meaning "to distinguish between." Discernere, in turn, was formed by combining the prefix dis- (meaning "apart") and cernere ("to sift"). Other descendants of discernere include discern and discernible (as you no doubt guessed), discreet, and indiscretion. In addition, the root cernere gives us concern, certain, decree, and even secret.

Examples of discriminate in a Sentence

The school is not allowed to discriminate. the human eye can discriminate between very slight gradations of color
Recent Examples on the Web Three Starbucks customers have filed a lawsuit against the coffee chain giant, alleging that its extra charges for non-dairy alternatives are discriminating against people with lactose intolerance. William Gavin, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024 In 2013, in a victory for right-wing activists, the conservative-majority Supreme Court overturned a key aspect of the VRA, lifting federal oversight over maps in areas that had historically discriminated against people of color. Marilyn W. Thompson, ProPublica, 28 Feb. 2024 According to Sophie, stomach acid – which is powerful enough to corrode metal – doesn’t discriminate between good and bad bacteria. Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2024 Many women report being stereotyped and discriminated against based on their age. Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 6 Mar. 2024 One of protections that the USDA is seeking would stop companies, also known as integrators, from discriminating or retaliating against farmers who speak out. Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2024 Here is the key question: If colleges are required to practice race-neutral admissions policies, why should they be allowed to continue admission policies – like legacy preferences – that discriminate against students from underrepresented groups? Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The Florida and Texas laws under review at the Supreme Court arose from the complaints that former President Trump was being discriminated against or blocked by social media sites, including Twitter. David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2024 Dementia may not discriminate, but there are significant racial disparities in diagnosis and treatment. Essence, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'discriminate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin discriminatus, past participle of discriminare, from discrimin-, discrimen distinction, from discernere to distinguish between — more at discern

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of discriminate was in 1615

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Dictionary Entries Near discriminate

Cite this Entry

“Discriminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discriminate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

discriminate

verb
dis·​crim·​i·​nate dis-ˈkrim-ə-ˌnāt How to pronounce discriminate (audio)
discriminated; discriminating
1
a
: to see the special features of
discriminate the geologic features of an area
b
: distinguish sense 1, differentiate
discriminate hundreds of colors
2
: to be able to tell the difference especially between similar things
discriminate between a tree and a bush
3
: to treat some people better than others without any fair or proper reason
discriminated against because of their race
discriminable
-ə-nə-bəl
adjective

Medical Definition

discriminate

verb
dis·​crim·​i·​nate dis-ˈkrim-ə-ˌnāt How to pronounce discriminate (audio)
discriminated; discriminating

transitive verb

: to respond selectively to (a stimulus)

intransitive verb

: to respond selectively
the capacity of organisms to discriminateJ. A. Swets

Legal Definition

discriminate

intransitive verb
dis·​crim·​i·​nate dis-ˈkri-mə-ˌnāt How to pronounce discriminate (audio)
discriminated; discriminating
: to make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit
especially : to make a difference in treatment on a basis prohibited by law (as national origin, race, sex, religion, age, or disability) see also bona fide occupational qualification, equal protection, reverse discrimination, suspect class, Civil Rights Act of 1964
discrimination noun

More from Merriam-Webster on discriminate

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