Discriminating
/dɪˈskrɪmɪˌneɪtɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving or showing refined taste or judgment, especially of the highest quality.
/dɪˈskrɪmɪˌneɪtɪŋ/
Showing good taste or judgement
The art critic had a discriminating eye for detail.
💡 Simply: Someone who's discriminating has really good taste. They can tell the difference between something fancy and something cheap, like knowing a great cup of coffee from a bad one.
👶 For kids: When something is discriminating, it means it knows the difference between good and bad things.
More Examples
The restaurant catered to a discriminating clientele.
He's known for his discriminating taste in music.
How It's Used
"The museum's discriminating audience appreciated the artist's subtle use of color."
"A discriminating palate is essential for a sommelier."
Making an unfair or prejudicial distinction in the treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, sex, or age.
/dɪˈskrɪmɪˌneɪtɪŋ/
Making or showing an unfair distinction
The company was accused of using discriminating practices in its hiring process.
💡 Simply: It means treating people differently and unfairly because of things like their race, gender, or where they come from.
👶 For kids: When someone is discriminating, they are being mean to people because they are different.
More Examples
Discriminating laws are a violation of human rights.
We must fight against discriminating behavior in all forms.
How It's Used
"The company faced legal challenges for its discriminating hiring practices."
"Discriminating policies perpetuate inequality."
From Latin *discriminare* 'to divide, distinguish,' from *discernere* 'to separate, distinguish.'
The word 'discriminating' has evolved from its initial meaning of distinguishing to include the connotation of making unjust distinctions based on prejudice, especially in the 20th and 21st centuries. In earlier times, it was primarily used to mean distinguishing or discerning.
Memory tip
Think of a judge who meticulously evaluates evidence, only the *discriminating* audience of fashion shows can tell who's a winner.