adj Uncommon

discriminating

dihs-KRIH-mih-nay-tihng

Discriminating (adj) means having good judgement and a fine sense of quality; able to spot subtle differences. Example: “The restaurant caters to a discriminating clientele.”

adj

Having good judgement and a fine sense of quality; able to spot subtle differences.

"The restaurant caters to a discriminating clientele."

"She has a discriminating eye for good design."

How to use discriminating

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving refined, careful judgement — especially about quality or taste.

Common mistake

This positive sense (fine judgement/taste) is different from "discriminating against" someone, which is negative and unfair.

Common pairings

discriminating taste discriminating palate

Word forms

more discriminating comparative, most discriminating superlative

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The restaurant caters to a _____ clientele.

Rhymes for discriminating

mating rating eating dating hating heating grating stating beating coating skating seating

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Frequently asked questions

What does “discriminating” mean?

The word “discriminating” means having good judgement and a fine sense of quality; able to spot subtle differences. In plain terms, having refined, careful judgement — especially about quality or taste.

How do you pronounce “discriminating”?

“Discriminating” is pronounced dihs-KRIH-mih-nay-tihng (/dɪsˈkɹɪmɪneɪtɪŋ(ɡ)/ in IPA).

How do you use “discriminating” in a sentence?

Here is “discriminating” used in a sentence: “The restaurant caters to a discriminating clientele.”

What part of speech is “discriminating”?

“Discriminating” is an adjective.

Is “discriminating” a common word?

“Discriminating” is an uncommon word in modern English.