discriminate

CEFRB2

/dɪˈskɹɪm.ɪ.neɪt/

verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To treat people unfairly because of their group or identity.

  2. 02

    verb

    To recognize a difference between things.

Examples

  • Subtle differences in tone discriminate the original from the copy.

  • We must be able to discriminate between objects and situations.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5
Synonyms
2

Also pronounced

  • /dɪˈskɹɪm.əˌnæɪt/

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. To treat or affect differently, depending on differences in traits.

  2. To make distinctions.

  3. To make decisions harmful to (a person or group) based on prejudice.

More examples

In context

  • Low self-esteem can affect both rich and poor people: it doesn't discriminate.

  • Since he was color blind he was unable to discriminate between the blue and green bottles.

  • The law prohibits discriminating against people based on their skin color.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Quick test

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Nearby

Origin

verb

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.