discriminate

Discriminate is defined as to recognize or see the difference between two or more people or things.

(verb)

An example of discriminate is a dress maker seeing the height difference between two bridesmaids and making adjustments accordingly.

The definition of discriminate is to show partiality or prejudice based on a general category not on individual merit.

(verb)

An example of discriminate is to refuse to rent an apartment to a black man because he is black.

See discriminate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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

See discriminate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb dis·crim·i·nat·ed, 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:

Origin: Latin discrīmināre, discrīmināt-

Origin: , from discrīmen, discrīmin-, distinction; see krei- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: