Discriminatingness

/dɪˈskrɪmɪneɪtɪŋnɪs/ noun

Definition

The quality of discriminating; the character of making fine distinctions or of showing prejudicial attitudes.

Etymology

From discriminating plus -ness. This double-suffix construction (-ing + -ness) creates an abstract noun describing the quality of the ongoing action.

Kelly Says

English loves stacking suffixes—we can take 'discriminate,' add '-ing,' add '-ness,' and create a word that's four morphemes long describing an abstract quality!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Inherited semantic ambiguity; the noun form carries both neutral and prejudicial senses from the verb.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'discernment,' 'precision,' or 'selectivity' to avoid bias implications.

Inclusive Alternatives

["discernment","precision","selectivity","acuity"]

Related Words

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