discrimination
UK: dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃən | US: dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃən
n. the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on grounds of race, age, or sex
n. the ability to recognize or perceive subtle differences between things
n. the act of making distinctions or categorizations
The word "discrimination" originates from the Latin discriminare (to divide or distinguish), derived from discrimen (a dividing line or distinction). The prefix dis- (apart) combined with crimin- (from cernere, to sift or separate) reflects the core idea of separating or judging differences. Over time, the term evolved from a neutral sense of "distinguishing" to its modern connotations of unfair bias, particularly in social contexts.
Laws against racial discrimination aim to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Her discrimination between genuine and fake antiques impressed the collectors.
The policy led to widespread discrimination against minority groups.
Taste discrimination is essential for a professional chef.
The court ruled that the hiring practice constituted unlawful discrimination.