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Indiscriminately Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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indiscriminately

[ˌɪndɪˈskrɪmɪnətli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

without discrimination

Indiscriminately means in a way that does not show careful choice or distinction. It refers to actions taken without regard for the consequences or differences among options. This term is often used to describe behavior that is random or haphazard.

Synonyms

arbitrarily, carelessly, haphazardly, randomly, thoughtlessly.

Examples of usage

  • The chemicals were poured indiscriminately into the river.
  • She distributed the gifts indiscriminately to all the children.
  • Indiscriminately, he critiqued every proposal without consideration.
  • The company hired workers indiscriminately, leading to poor performance.
  • He insulted everyone indiscriminately, regardless of their feelings.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Social Impact

  • In many contexts, especially in discussions about social justice, acting indiscriminately can lead to unfair treatment of groups.
  • The term is often used in environmental discussions where indiscriminate actions can harm ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • People sometimes use the word to criticize policies or actions that affect large populations without consideration for individual needs.

Psychology

  • Research shows that indiscriminate choices can lead to feelings of overwhelm and dissatisfaction due to a lack of clarity.
  • Humans have a tendency to make hasty decisions without considering the consequences, which can be described as acting indiscriminately.
  • Indiscriminate behavior can be linked to cognitive biases, where individuals fail to weigh options accurately.

Literature

  • The concept appears in various literary works, often highlighting chaos or a lack of order in society.
  • Authors like George Orwell and Ray Bradbury have depicted the consequences of indiscriminate behavior in dystopian settings.
  • In poetry, themes of indiscrimination may explore human emotions or societal issues, reflecting on the randomness of life.

Origin of 'indiscriminately'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'indiscriminatus,' meaning 'not separated' or 'not distinguished.'
  • The prefix 'in-' means 'not,' and 'discriminate' comes from 'discriminare,' which means 'to separate or distinguish.'
  • It has been used in English since the 19th century, emphasizing a lack of thought in choices.

The word 'indiscriminately' is derived from the base adjective 'indiscriminate', which comes from the Latin root 'discriminare', meaning 'to distinguish'. The prefix 'in-' negates the idea of discrimination, implying a lack of discernment. The term has evolved in English to describe actions or decisions made without consideration for specific differences or necessary distinctions. The use of 'indiscriminately' reflects a broader trend in language where negation often serves to highlight a universal or unrefined approach to a given context. Historically, this word has been employed in discussions concerning ethics, law, and social behavior, denoting actions that may lead to unjust outcomes due to their lack of selective precision.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,246, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.