discrimination
diss-KRIM-ih-NAY-shun
/dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃən/
The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.
While often used negatively, it can also mean the ability to perceive fine differences (e.g., 'a person of great discrimination').
The story behind the word. The root 'discernere' means 'to separate.' Originally, to discriminate was simply to tell things apart—like a wine taster telling two vintages apart. It wasn't until the 19th century that it took on the heavy social meaning of 'distinguishing against' a group of people.
Word relationships
- inequity: Inequity refers to the lack of fairness; discrimination is the active practice of treating people unfairly.
- equity: Fairness and impartiality in treatment.
Commonly confused with
- prejudice: Prejudice is the internal feeling; discrimination is the external behavior or policy.
Word family
- discriminate (verb): To make an unjust or prejudicial distinction in the treatment of different categories of people.
- discriminatory (adjective): Showing or characterized by unfair treatment.
Collocations
- racial discrimination
- price discrimination
- unfair discrimination
- reverse discrimination
Example sentences
- "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Civil Rights History
- "The company has a zero-tolerance policy regarding age discrimination in its hiring practices." Workplace Policy
Memory hook
Think of 'dis-crim'—treating someone like a 'crim' (criminal) just because they are 'dis' (different). Sorting people into boxes based on labels.
When not to use
In a social context, do not use it to mean 'choosing' unless the choice is based on unfair prejudice.
Fun facts
- In economics, 'price discrimination' is the practice of charging different customers different prices for the same product.
Related words
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