Discriminate

Etymology

Latin discriminatus, past participle of discriminare, from discrimin-, discrimen distinction, from discernere to distinguish between — more at discern

• Date: 1628

Definitions

transitive verb

• 1 a : to mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of

b : distinguish, differentiate <discriminate hundreds of colors>

• 2 : to distinguish by discerning or exposing differences; especially : to distinguish from another like object

intransitive verb

• 1 a : to make a distinction <discriminate among historical sources>

b : to use good judgment

• 2 : to make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit <discriminate in favor of your friends> <discriminate against a certain nationality>

See also

• Segregation