The AI-powered English dictionary
third-person singular simple present discriminates, present participle discriminating, simple past and past participle discriminated
(intransitive) To make distinctions. examples
To treat or affect differently, depending on differences in traits.
(intransitive, construed with against) To make decisions based on prejudice. examples
(transitive) To set apart as being different; to mark as different; to separate from another by discerning differences; to distinguish. quotations examples
To discriminate the goats from the sheep.
1670-7, Isaac Barrow, “Sermon XX: Against rash Censuring and Judging”, in The Theological Works, volume 1, published 1818, page 448
Still stranger much, that when at length mankind Had reach'd the sinewy firmness of their youth, And could discriminate and argue well On subjects more mysterious
1782–1785, William Cowper, “(please specify the page)”, in The Task, a Poem, […], London: […] J[oseph] Johnson; […]
comparative more discriminate, superlative most discriminate
Having the difference marked; distinguished by certain tokens. quotations examples
Nevertheless it is certain, that oisters, and cockles, and mussels, which move not, have no discriminate sex
1631, Francis [Bacon], “IX. Century.”, in Sylua Syluarum: Or A Naturall Historie. In Ten Centuries. […], 3rd edition, London: […] William Rawley; [p]rinted by J[ohn] H[aviland] for William Lee […]