I. də̇ˈskrim(ə)nə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V adjective
Etymology: Latin discriminatus
1. archaic : having the difference marked : distinguished by certain tokens : distinct
2. : marked by discrimination : carefully distinguishing
discriminate travelers who demand only the finest
• dis·crim·i·nate·ly adverb
• dis·crim·i·nate·ness noun -es
II. -məˌnāt, usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin discriminatus, past participle of discriminare to divide, distinguish, from discrimin-, discrimen division, distinction, decision, from discernere to separate, distinguish between — more at discern
transitive verb
1.
a. : to mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of : recognize as being different from others
depth perception may be defined as the ability to appreciate or discriminate the third dimension — H.G.Armstrong
: distinguish between or among
whenever you have learned to discriminate the birds, or the plants, … it is as if new and keener eyes were added — John Burroughs
b. : to serve to distinguish : distinguish , differentiate
these curious markings discriminate the bird from all related species
c. : to make out : analyze , discern , demarcate
he can very well discriminate what the word means to him — Bernard Pares
he is able to discriminate eight stages in the poet's philosophical development
2. : to distinguish (as objects, ideas, or qualities) by discerning or exposing their differences
a warped mind that cannot discriminate good from evil ways
especially : to distinguish (one like object) from another by discerning or exposing the minute differences
a dictionary of discriminated synonyms
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to make a distinction : distinguish accurately
discriminate between fact and fancy
a climber must learn to discriminate as to when compass bearings are necessary and when they are not — K.A.Henderson
b. : to use discernment or good judgment
to expect that children should … discriminate without experience, and save themselves by their own wits — R.A.W.Hughes
2. : to make a difference in treatment or favor on a class or categorical basis in disregard of individual merit
discriminate in favor of your friends
habitually discriminate against a certain nationality
Synonyms: see distinguish