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discrimination

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Discrimination means distinguishing differences between things or treating someone as inferior based on their race, sex, national origin, age or other characteristics. (noun)

An example of discrimination is when you can tell the difference between fine wine and cheap wine.
An example of discrimination is when a company refuses to hire women because they are women.

See discrimination in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the act of discriminating, or distinguishing differences
the ability to make or perceive distinctions; perception; discernment
1. partiality, or bias, in the treatment of a person or group, which is unfair, illegal, etc.
2. an act, policy, pattern of behavior, etc. characterized by such partiality

See discrimination in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(dĭ-skrĭmˌə-nāˈshən)

noun

The act of discriminating.
The ability or power to see or make fine distinctions; discernment.
Treatment or consideration based on class or category rather than individual merit; partiality or prejudice: racial discrimination; discrimination against foreigners.

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