Reading Theme:
Discriminate: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：treat unfairly (discriminate)
discriminate
/dɪˈskrɪmɪneɪt/
v.
To treat a person or group unfairly because of their race, gender, age, etc., rather than their qualities or actions.
treat unfairly
➕
/triːt ʌnˈfeəli/
v.
To show unfair or prejudicial treatment towards individuals or groups based on characteristics like race, gender, or age, rather than their merits or actions.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'discriminare' (to distinguish), from 'discrimen' (distinction), based on 'dis-' (apart) + 'cernere' (to separate, judge).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine 'dis-CRIMIN-ate': the CRIMInal act of making unfair distinctions against someone.
📖 Example
It is against the law for a company to discriminate against job applicants based on their age.
It is against the law for a company to treat job applicants unfairly based on their age.
🔗 Collocations
discriminate against – to treat a particular person or group unfairly
illegally discriminate – to treat people unfairly in a way that violates the law
discriminate on the basis of – to differentiate or treat unfairly because of a specific characteristic
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
treat equally (v.) – to behave toward everyone in the same fair manner
include (v.) – to make someone part of a group or activity
🌱 Derivatives
discrimination (n.) – the unfair treatment of people based on characteristics like race or gender
discriminatory (adj.) – showing unfair treatment of different groups of people
📖 Cultural Story
The word evolved from the Latin 'discriminare', originally meaning 'to divide' or 'to distinguish'. This neutral sense of making distinctions shifted in the 19th century to acquire the strong negative connotation of 'making unfair distinctions', especially in social and legal contexts. The legal principle of 'non-discrimination' is now a cornerstone of modern human rights law.
Meaning 2：distinguish carefully (discriminate)
discriminate
/dɪˈskrɪmɪneɪt/
v.
To recognize or understand the difference between two or more similar things.
distinguish carefully
➕
/dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ ˈkeəfəli/
v.
To recognize, identify, or perceive a clear difference or subtle distinction between two or more similar things through careful observation or analysis.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
A good wine taster can discriminate between subtle flavors that most people wouldn't notice.
A good wine taster can distinguish carefully between subtle flavors that most people wouldn't notice.
🔗 Collocations
discriminate between – to recognize or identify the differences that separate two or more things
discriminate among – to perceive the subtle distinctions within a group of similar items
fine ability to discriminate – a highly developed skill in noticing small differences
🔄 Synonyms
distinguish (v.) – to recognize or point out a difference between things
differentiate (v.) – to identify or show the differences between two or more items
discern (v.) – to perceive or recognize something, especially something that is not obvious
🚫 Antonyms
confuse (v.) – to mistake one thing for another; to fail to distinguish between
lump together (v.) – to treat different things as if they were the same
🌱 Derivatives
discriminating (adj.) – showing good judgment or refined taste by making careful choices
discrimination (n.) – the ability to judge what is of good quality or what is right
Wordbook
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