discriminate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
discriminate Word Meanings
- to recognize or make a distinction
- to treat someone differently based on group categories
- to differentiate or identify the differences
discriminate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
discriminate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪsˈkrɪm.ɪ.neɪt/
US
/dɪsˈkrɪm.ə.neɪt/
discriminate Word Etymology
dis- = apart + criminare = to separate/judge; from Latin through Old French into English. Imagine someone sifting through a crowd, carefully distinguishing between different individuals, like a detective piecing together a case.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Discriminate means to distinguish between things or people, to recognize differences. In neutral usage you might discriminate between two similar items, as when a shopper sorts products by color or size. In a social context, however, it often carries a negative connotation: to discriminate means treating someone unfairly because of characteristics such as race, gender, age, or nationality. This dual sense is essential for learners: one sense is cognitive and objective, the other is normative and biased. When teaching, separate these meanings with clear examples: discriminating between options versus discriminating against people. Common collocations include discriminate between, discriminate against, and discrimination as a noun.
Usage Reminders
- distinguish between; use against and between correctly; avoid confusing with discern; note bias vs neutral contexts; mind collocations; practice with real-life examples
Common Misconceptions
- Discriminate means always judging people unfairly
- Discriminate and discern are interchangeable
- Discriminate is only about social bias, not about distinguishing objects
- Discriminate cannot take the preposition between
- Discriminate is a formal academic term with no everyday use
Thinking Differences
In English, discrimination is a social bias; distinguishing items is neutral. Learners often mix up neutral discrimination with the negative sense, and may stumble over collocations like discriminate between and discriminate against.
Learning Tips
- Learn both senses of discriminate: neutral distinction and unfair treatment
- Practice with between vs against: discriminate between A and B; discriminate against C
- Replace bias with neutral verbs when describing nonhuman distinctions
- Use real-world examples to see how context changes meaning
- Watch for collocations and noun forms like discrimination
- Review common confusions with similar verbs like discern
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'discriminate'?
A.To make a choice
B.To cook food
C.To walk slowly
D.To treat unfairly
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'discriminate' correctly?
A.She discriminated between two job offers.
B.They discriminated the colors of the rainbow.
C.He discriminated against people of different races.
D.I discriminated what to wear today.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'discriminate'?
A.Select
B.Random
C.Equal
D.Generous
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'discriminate'?
A.Respect
B.Choose
C.Fair
D.Indiscriminate
Step 5: Mastery
How can 'discriminate' be applied in a real-life context?
A.Recognizing talent in a fair manner during a job interview
B.Ignoring someone's qualifications based on their age
C.Treating all students equally in a school setting
D.Praising everyone regardless of their effort
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