Having or showing refined taste and good judgment; able to recognize subtle differences and make careful distinctions, especially in matters of quality or value.
From Latin 'discriminare' meaning 'to divide or distinguish,' from 'discrimen' (distinction). While 'discrimination' developed negative connotations regarding unfair treatment, 'discriminating' retained the positive sense of good judgment.
Don't confuse this with bias! A discriminating person has great taste—they can 'discriminate' between good and bad quality. Think of a discriminating art collector who can spot a masterpiece among fakes.
The positive sense ('showing discrimination/good judgment') became historically eclipsed by 'discrimination' (unjust treatment). Women were routinely described as having 'discriminating taste' in domestic spheres while being denied discrimination in hiring, law, and policy.
Use 'discerning' or 'selective' for the positive sense. Reserve 'discriminating' for explicit discussions of bias/justice contexts to avoid ambiguity.
["discerning","selective","judicious"]
Women's historical refinement and judgment were confined to 'taste'; reframing as 'discernment' reclaims analytical agency.
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