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discriminate

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Discriminate
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dis⋅crim⋅i⋅nate

  [v. di-skrim-uh-neyt; adj. di-skrim-uh-nit] verb, -nat⋅ed, -nat⋅ing, adjective
Use discriminate in a Sentence
–verb (used without object)
1. to make a distinction in favor of or against a person or thing on the basis of the group, class, or category to which the person or thing belongs rather than according to actual merit; show partiality: The new law discriminates against foreigners. He discriminates in favor of his relatives.
2. to note or observe a difference; distinguish accurately: to discriminate between things.
–verb (used with object)
3. to make or constitute a distinction in or between; differentiate: a mark that discriminates the original from the copy.
4. to note or distinguish as different: He can discriminate minute variations in tone.
–adjective
5. marked by discrimination; making or evidencing nice distinctions: discriminate people; discriminate judgments.
Origin:
1620–30; < L discrīminātus separated, ptp. of discrīmināre. See discriminant, -ate 1

Related forms:
dis⋅crim⋅i⋅nate⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
3. See distinguish.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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dis·crim·i·nate   (dĭ-skrĭm'ə-nāt')   
v.   dis·crim·i·nat·ed, dis·crim·i·nat·ing, dis·crim·i·nates

v.   intr.

    1. To make a clear distinction; distinguish: discriminate among the options available.

    2. To make sensible decisions; judge wisely.

  2. 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.

v.   tr.

  1. To perceive the distinguishing features of; recognize as distinct: discriminate right from wrong.

  2. To distinguish by noting differences; differentiate: unable to discriminate colors.

  3. To make or constitute a distinction in or between: methods that discriminate science from pseudoscience.


[Latin discrīmināre, discrīmināt-, from discrīmen, discrīmin-, distinction; see krei- in Indo-European roots.]
dis·crim'i·nate (-nĭt) adj., dis·crim'i·nate·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

discriminate 
1628, from L. discriminare "to divide," from discrimen, derived n. from discernere (see discern). The adverse (usually racial) sense is first recorded 1866, Amer.Eng. Positive sense remains in discriminating (adj.) "possessing discernment" (1792).
"It especially annoys me when racists are accused of 'discrimination.' The ability to discriminate is a precious facility; by judging all members of one 'race' to be the same, the racist precisely shows himself incapable of discrimination." [Christopher Hitchens]
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: dis·crim·i·nate
Pronunciation: dis-'kri-m&-"nAt
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Forms: -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit; especially : to make a difference in treatment on a basis prohibited by law (as national origin, race, sex, religion, age, or disability) —see also BONA FIDE OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATION, EQUAL PROTECTION, REVERSE DISCRIMINATION, SUSPECT CLASS Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the IMPORTANT LAWS section amendment xiv to the CONSTITUTION in the back matter —dis·crim·i·na·tion /dis-"kri-m&-'nA-sh&n/ noun
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: dis·crim·i·nate
Pronunciation: dis-'krim-&-"nAt
Function: verb
Inflected Forms: -nat·ed; -nat·ing
transitive senses
: to respond selectively to (a stimulus) discriminate intransitive senses
: to respond selectively discriminate —J. A. Swets>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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