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Discrimination

dis-krim-ih-NAY-shun /dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃən/

nounB2SATGRETOEFL

formalgeneral

The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.

While 'discrimination' can broadly mean 'the ability to perceive and make distinctions,' in modern social and legal contexts, it almost exclusively refers to unfair and prejudicial treatment based on group membership.

The story behind the word. The word 'discrimination' comes from the Latin 'discriminatio,' meaning 'a separating, a distinguishing.' This was derived from the verb 'discriminare,' meaning 'to distinguish, to separate,' which in turn came from 'dis-' (apart) and 'crimen' (judgment, crime). Originally, it simply meant the ability to perceive differences. However, by the 19th century, it began to acquire its negative sense of making distinctions unfairly, leading to prejudicial treatment, especially in social and racial contexts.

Word relationships

Prejudice: Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience, often leading to discrimination.
Bias: Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.
Bigotry: Intolerance toward those different from oneself, often stronger and more overt than discrimination.

Equality: The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities, directly opposing discrimination.
Fairness: Impartial and just treatment or behavior without favoritism or discrimination.
Inclusion: The practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.

Commonly confused with

Distinction: A 'distinction' is simply recognizing a difference. 'Discrimination' (in its negative sense) is acting unfairly because of those differences.

Word family

discriminate (verb): to make an unjust or prejudicial distinction in the treatment of different categories of people or things.
discriminatory (adjective): making or showing an unjust or prejudicial distinction between different categories of people or things.

Collocations

racial discrimination
gender discrimination
age discrimination
religious discrimination
prevent discrimination
combat discrimination

Example sentences

"Laws were enacted to prevent discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations." Social injustice.
"Despite progress, many communities still face systemic discrimination in areas like education and healthcare." Systemic issues.
"The manager was accused of age discrimination after consistently overlooking older candidates for promotions." Individual acts.

Memory hook

When you 'DISCRIMINATE,' you 'DIS' (dislike) and 'CRIMIN'alize people based on unfair distinctions. Unfair distinctions.

When not to use

Unless you are specifically referring to the ability to discern differences (e.g., 'a keen sense of discrimination'), avoid using this word in its positive sense, as its negative connotation of prejudice is now dominant.

Fun facts

The original, neutral meaning of 'discrimination' (the ability to discern differences) is still used in phrases like 'a discriminating palate' (meaning a refined taste).