Discriminate Meaning
/dɪˈskɹɪm.ɪ.neɪt/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo make distinctions.
verbTo treat or affect differently, depending on differences in traits.
Sentence Examples
We must be able to discriminate between objects and situations.
Subtle differences in tone discriminate the original from the copy.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The new policy aims to reduce the tendency to ____ against job applicants unfairly.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We must be able to ____ between objects and situations.
Word Origin & History
First attested in 1615; borrowed from Latin discrīminātus, perfect passive participle of discrīminō (“to divide, separate, distinguish”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from discrīmen (“a space between, division, separation, distinction”), from discernō (“to divide, separate, distinguish, discern”). By surface analysis, dis- + criminate.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"“The more a young person is discriminated against, the more likely they will experience emotional difficulties including depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues and even suicidal ideation,” said Duffy, who specializes in work with teens, parents, couples and families, and wrote the book “Parenting the New Teen in the Age of Anxiety.”"
— 2021 November 8, Kristen Rogers, “Discrimination of any kind can lead to much higher risk of mental and behavioral issues for young people, study finds”, in CNN, archived from the original on 09 Dec 2022:
"The Office for Civil Rights said that it sent letters under its authority to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which bans any institution receiving federal funds from discriminating based on race, color, and national origin."
— 2025 March 10, Karina Tsui and Elizabeth Wolfe, “Department of Education investigating 60 colleges and universities over antisemitism claims”, in CNN, archived from the original on 29 Apr 2025:
"The ordinance condones immorality and discriminates against my children's rights to grow up in a healthy, decent community."
— 1977 January 19, Anita Bryant, quotee, “Bias Against Homosexuals Is Outlawed in Miami”, in The New York Times, page 14:
"There's also expected to be a ruling out of Washington over Texas' efforts to impose a restrictive new voter law that many minority groups allege discriminates against their right to vote."
— 2012 August 28, “Federal court finds discrimination in new Texas voting maps”, in CBS News, archived from the original on 20 Jul 2019:
"Under the RHA, a person can sue the State of Illinois or local governments like cities and counties if they improperly deny, interfere with, or discriminate against the person’s fundamental rights to make their own reproductive health decisions."
— 2019 June 20, “Illinois Reproductive Health Act FAQ”, in ACLU Illinois, archived from the original on 06 Jul 2019:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The new policy aims to reduce the tendency to ____ against job applicants unfairly.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We must be able to ____ between objects and situations.