To recognize a distinction between different things, or to treat someone unfairly based on prejudice. The word has both neutral (discerning) and negative (prejudicial) meanings.
From Latin 'discriminatus,' past participle of 'discriminare,' meaning 'to divide or distinguish,' derived from 'discrimen' (distinction). Originally neutral, meaning to distinguish carefully, the word developed negative connotations in the 20th century regarding unfair treatment.
This word is tricky because it can be positive (discriminating taste in wine) or negative (discriminating against people)! Context is everything - tests love this dual nature.
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