Discriminate | A word a day

To discriminate is to demonstrate bias or show disfavor toward somebody.

• The company was accused of discriminating against female employees. (= The company was accused of demonstrating bias against female employees.)

Discriminate can also mean differentiate.

• Can you discriminate between good and bad poetry?

Spelling tip

Discriminate has three i’s in it.

Discrimination (noun)

Discrimination means bias, prejudice or favoritism.

• Laws should be passed against gender discrimination.

Discrimination can also mean discretion or taste.

• She shows fine discrimination in choosing costumes.

Keep in mind that discrimination has four i’s in it.