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discriminate definition

dis·crimi·nate (di skrim′i nāt′; for adj., -nit)

transitive verb discriminated -·nat′ed, discriminating -·nat′·ing

Origin: < L discriminatus, pp. of discriminare, to divide, distinguish < discrimen, division, distinction < discernere: see discern

intransitive verb

to see the difference (between things); distinguish
to be discerning
to make distinctions in treatment; show partiality (in favor of) or prejudice (against)

adjective

involving discrimination; distinguishing carefully

dis·crim·i·nate (dĭ-skrĭmˈə-nātˌ)

verb discriminated dis·crim·i·nat·ed, discriminating dis·crim·i·nat·ing, dis·crim·i·nates

verb, intransitive

a. To make a clear distinction; distinguish: discriminate among the options available.
b. To make sensible decisions; judge wisely.
To make distinctions on the basis of class or category without regard to individual merit; show preference or prejudice: was accused of discriminating against women; discriminated in favor of his cronies.

verb, transitive

To perceive the distinguishing features of; recognize as distinct: discriminate right from wrong.
To distinguish by noting differences; differentiate: unable to discriminate colors.
To make or constitute a distinction in or between: methods that discriminate science from pseudoscience.

Origin: Latin discrīmināre, discrīmināt-, from discrīmen, discrīmin-, distinction; see krei- in Indo-European roots.

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