— discriminately , adv.
v. /di skrim"euh nayt'/ ; adj. /di skrim"euh nit/ , v. , discriminated, discriminating , adj.
v.i.
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.
v.t.
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.
adj.
5. marked by discrimination; making or evidencing nice distinctions: discriminate people; discriminate judgments.
[ 1620-30; discriminatus separated, ptp. of discriminare. See DISCRIMINANT, -ATE 1 ]
Syn. 3. See distinguish .