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discrimination

dih-skrim-uh-NAY-shun /dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃən/

nounC1GRETOEFLIELTS

formalgeneral

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

Can also refer to the ability to discern fine distinctions, but in an ethical context, it almost always refers to unfair treatment.

The story behind the word. The word 'discrimination' comes from the Latin 'discriminare,' meaning 'to distinguish, to separate.' It's formed from 'dis-' (apart) and 'cernere' (to separate, to sift). Initially, it simply meant the ability to perceive differences. However, by the 17th century, it began to acquire the negative sense of making an unfair distinction, especially in treatment, leading to its modern meaning of prejudiced treatment.

Word relationships

prejudice: A preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience, often negative.
bigotry: Intolerance towards those different from oneself.
inequity: Lack of fairness or justice.

equality: The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities.
fairness: Impartial and just treatment or behavior without favoritism or discrimination.

Commonly confused with

bias: Bias is an inclination or prejudice, often unconscious, while discrimination is the action or treatment resulting from that bias.

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 unfair or prejudicial distinction between different categories of people or things.

Collocations

racial discrimination
gender discrimination
age discrimination
sexual discrimination
reverse discrimination
combat discrimination

Example sentences

"Laws were enacted to prevent discrimination based on race, religion, and gender." In civil rights discussions.
"The company faced a lawsuit alleging age discrimination in its hiring practices." In the workplace.
"Algorithmic discrimination can occur when AI systems perpetuate or amplify existing societal biases." Regarding algorithmic systems.

Memory hook

When you 'DISCRIMINATE,' you 'DIS' (dismiss) people by 'CRIMINATING' (judging) them unfairly. Unjust distinction.

When not to use

Avoid using 'discrimination' to mean simply 'making a distinction' without the negative connotation of unfair or prejudiced treatment. For example, 'discriminating taste' is an older, less common usage that can be confusing.

Fun facts

The positive sense of 'discrimination' (e.g., 'a discriminating palate') is still technically correct but is rarely used today to avoid confusion with its overwhelmingly negative connotation.