discriminate
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for discriminate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To treat a person or group unfairly because of a characteristic such as race, age, or gender.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Antonyms
How to use discriminate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
discriminate against
discriminate on the basis of
The unfair-treatment sense is by far the most common in everyday modern use.
Etymology
From Latin discriminare, "to divide, distinguish," from discrimen, "a dividing line" — from discernere, "to separate, discern."
Full origin of discriminate →Frequently asked questions
What does “discriminate” mean?
The word “discriminate” means to treat a person or group unfairly because of a characteristic such as race, age, or gender. In plain terms, to treat people unfairly based on a trait, or (in a more neutral, older sense) to tell things apart.
How do you pronounce “discriminate”?
“Discriminate” is pronounced dih-SKRIHM-ih-nayt (/dɪˈskɹɪm.əˌneɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “discriminate” in a sentence?
Here is “discriminate” used in a sentence: “It is illegal to discriminate against employees on the basis of age.”
What is another word for “discriminate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “discriminate” include differentiate.
What is the opposite of “discriminate”?
The opposite of “discriminate” — its antonyms — is favor.
What part of speech is “discriminate”?
“Discriminate” is a verb.
Where does the word “discriminate” come from?
The word “discriminate” comes from Latin. From Latin discriminare, "to divide, distinguish," from discrimen, "a dividing line" — from discernere, "to separate, discern.".
Is “discriminate” a common word?
“Discriminate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
