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v. dis·crim·i·nat·ed, dis·crim·i·nat·ing, dis·crim·i·nates v.intr. 1. To make a clear distinction; distinguish: discriminate among the options available. 2. To make distinctions on the basis of class or category without regard to individual merit, especially to show prejudice on the basis of ethnicity, gender, or a similar social factor: was accused of discriminating against women; discriminated in favor of his cronies. v.tr. 1. To perceive or notice the distinguishing features of; recognize as distinct: unable to discriminate colors. 2. To make or constitute a distinction in or between: methods that discriminate science from pseudoscience; characteristics that discriminate early stone artifacts from pieces of natural stone. [Latin discrīmināre, discrīmināt-, from discrīmen, discrīmin-, distinction; see krei- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] dis·crimi·nate (-nĭt) adj. dis·crimi·nate·ly adv. |
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