discrimination
UK/dɪ,skrɪmɪ'neɪʃ(ə)n/US/dis.krimi'neiʃәn/
TOEFLB1
Definitions
n.
Unfair treatment of a person or group based on prejudice
歧视；差别待遇
n.
The ability to judge what is good or to notice fine differences
辨别力；鉴赏力
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedThe noun of discriminate: dis- (apart) + crimin (sift/judge) + -ation (act of). Like the verb, it splits into two senses — the social wrong (racial discrimination) and the prized skill (a person of taste and discrimination).
Root crim still carries 26 more wordsUsage Guide
- Negative sense (common): racial / gender / age discrimination — unfair treatment.
- Positive sense (literary/formal): 'a man of discrimination' = someone with refined taste and judgment. This sense is now rare and slightly old-fashioned.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The company was sued for racial discrimination in hiring.
- 2.
She chose the materials with great discrimination.