Discriminate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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discriminate
[dษชหskrษชmษชneษชt ]
Definitions
injustice
To unfairly treat a person or group differently from other people or groups based on certain characteristics such as race, gender, or religion. Discrimination can take many forms, including but not limited to verbal abuse, exclusion, or unequal opportunities.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| discriminate |
This word is often used in a neutral or even positive context when referring to the ability to recognize differences between things or to make informed decisions.
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| prejudice |
Prejudice is a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience. It often leads to unfair treatment and has a negative connotation.
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| bias |
Bias refers to a tendency, trend, inclination, or opinion, often preconceived or unreasoned. It can be neutral or negative depending on the context. In a negative context, it suggests unfair preference.
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| bigotry |
Bigotry is a strong and unreasonable dislike or hatred for people based on race, religion, or other characteristics. It has a heavily negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He was discriminated against because of his skin color.
- She felt discriminated at work because of her gender.
- They were discriminated in the housing market due to their religion.
ability
To recognize a distinction between two or more things or people. It can also mean to differentiate or make a clear distinction.
Synonyms
differentiate, discern, distinguish.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| discriminate |
Used in contexts where one unfairly treats a person or group differently based on characteristics like race, gender, or age. Often has a negative connotation.
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| distinguish |
Utilized when recognizing or identifying differences between two or more items, often in everyday situations or informal settings.
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| differentiate |
Appropriate when making a clear distinction between two or more things, often in technical or academic settings.
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| discern |
Used when discussing the ability to perceive, detect, or recognize something, often with a sense of keen insight or effort.
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Examples of usage
- Children learn to discriminate between right and wrong.
- It is important to discriminate between reliable and unreliable sources of information.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Cognitive biases can lead to discrimination, where people unconsciously favor their own group over others.
- Social identity theory explains how people form group identities, which can lead to in-group favoritism and discrimination against outsiders.
Legal Context
- Discrimination laws are designed to protect individuals from unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, disability, and other characteristics.
- Landmark cases in the civil rights movement established legal precedence to combat discrimination in the workplace and public areas.
Pop Culture
- Films and literature often explore themes of discrimination, such as social injustices depicted in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' or 'Selma'.
- Songs like 'Black Man' by Stevie Wonder address discrimination and the fight for equality, raising awareness through music.
Sociology
- Discrimination can manifest in many forms, including systemic discrimination, where institutions uphold practices that disadvantage certain groups.
- Microaggressions, which are subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments, have gained attention in discussions about everyday discrimination.
Origin of 'discriminate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'discriminare', meaning 'to distinguish' or 'to separate'.
- In early English, the term was used mostly in contexts of making fine distinctions, before it took on a more negative connotation related to unfair treatment.
The word "discriminate" comes from the Latin word "discriminatus", which means to distinguish or separate. Originally, the word had a neutral connotation of recognizing differences. However, over time, it has gained negative implications due to its association with unfair treatment and prejudice.