indiscriminately - Master This Word
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indiscriminately Word Meanings
- not making careful choices; random
- lacking discrimination or discernment
- applied to many without distinction
indiscriminately Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
- The park was filled with indiscriminate trash.
- He made an indiscriminate choice without thinking.
- They received indiscriminate messages from unknown people.
- Indiscriminate use of water can waste resources.
- She has an indiscriminate taste in music.
indiscriminately Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌɪndɪsˈkrɪmɪnət/
US
/ˌɪndɪˈskrɪmɪnət/
indiscriminately Word Etymology
in- = not, discriminare = to distinguish. Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a crowd where everyone is treated the same, simply blending into one large group without unique features.
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
Indiscriminate means not making careful distinctions; done or applied without discrimination; often negative, suggesting a lack of care or poor judgement. In everyday usage you can describe a policy, a punishment, or a selection as indiscriminate when it treats many different people or items the same way without considering their differences. It contrasts with selective, discerning, or targeted approaches. The word carries a strong judgment about fairness and precision, implying that decisions were made carelessly rather than based on relevant criteria. It is commonly used in discussions of violence, law, and resource allocation.
Usage Reminders
- Remember the contrast with discriminating and selective. Use with nouns like policy, violence, or spending. Indiscriminately is the adverb form. Beware of implying bias; context often invites a strong negative tone. Not every act that is random is indiscriminate. Pair with active verbs to show broad, careless application. Practice with news headlines and policy debates.
Common Misconceptions
- It simply means not biased toward people; it also implies a careless lack of judgement.
- It does not mean random in every context; some indiscriminate actions are systematic or deliberate.
- It is not used to describe people as indiscriminate individuals.
- It is not a neutral or positive term when describing actions.
- It is often contrasted with discriminating or selective, not with fair.
Thinking Differences
Indiscriminate conveys a blanket, negative judgement about care and judgment. Learners often equate it with random or fair, but the English uses a harsh tone to condemn lack of discernment.
Learning Tips
- Compare with discriminate and selective to see the nuance
- Use common collocations like indiscriminate attack or indiscriminate spending
- Learn the adverb indiscriminately
- Note the negative tone and avoid applying to people
- Practice with news headlines and policy debates
- Create contrasts in sentences to solidify usage
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