discriminate

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈskrɪmɪneɪt/

verb

[no object]
  • 1recognize a distinction; differentiate: babies can discriminate between different facial expressions
  • [with object] perceive or constitute the difference in or between: features that discriminate this species from other gastropods
  • 2make an unjust or prejudicial distinction in the treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, sex, or age: existing employment policies discriminate against women

Derivatives

discriminately

Pronunciation: /-nətli/
adverb

discriminative

Pronunciation: /-nətɪv/
adjective

Origin:

early 17th century: from Latin discriminat- 'distinguished between', from the verb discriminare, from discrimen 'distinction', from the verb discernere (see discern)