dis|crim´i|nate|ly

dis|crim|i|nate «verb. dihs KRIHM uh nayt; adjective. dihs KRIHM uh|niht», verb, -nat|ed, -nat|ing, adjective.

–v.i.

1. to see or note a difference; make a distinction: »

It is often difficult to discriminate between a mere exaggeration and a deliberate falsehood.

SYNONYM(S): See syn. under distinguish. (Cf. ↑distinguish)

2. to show a difference in treatment: »

It is wrong to discriminate against people because of their race, religion, or nationality.

–v.t.

1. to make or see a difference between: »

Some boys cannot discriminate red from green easily. Can you discriminate a good book from a poor one?

SYNONYM(S): See syn. under distinguish. (Cf. ↑distinguish)

2. to constitute a difference between; differentiate: »

Communicating knowledge discriminates human beings from animals.

–adj.

1. having discrimination; making careful distinctions: »

Bright students and slow students should have discriminate treatment.

2. Archaic. distinguished; distinct.

╂[< Latin discrīmināre (with English -ate¹) < discrīmen, -inis separation < root of discernere; see etym. under discern (Cf. ↑discern)]

–dis|crim´i|nate|ly, adverb.