What is discriminate? Pronunciation and usage in English

discriminate means . Learn how to pronounce and use discriminate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of discriminate

discriminateverb

/dɪˈskrɪmɪneɪt//dɪˈskrɪmɪneɪt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "discriminate." It can be a tricky word! Here's a breakdown:

1. Core Sounds:

  • di-: Similar to the "dee" in "day"
  • scrim-: This is the trickiest part. It sounds like "skrim." Think of it as a quick, sharp "sk" followed by "rim" (as in the rim of a cup).
  • -nate: As in "late" - it’s a -ate ending.

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced something like: dis-krim-in-ate

3. Breakdown with emphasis:

  • dis-: (short "i" sound – like in "sit")
  • krim-: (emphasize the “krim” sound – “skrim”) – This is the key part!
  • in-: (short "i" sound – like in "sit")
  • -ate: (as in “late”) – a short, quick “ate” sound.

4. Resources for Hearing it:

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Focus on "skrim": Really work on getting the "skrim" part right. Practice saying "skrim" several times on its own.
  • Don’t over-emphasize the ‘di’: The ‘di’ part is relatively subtle.
  • Don't link the words together: Keep a slight pause between "krim" and "in."

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  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
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Usage and examples with the word discriminate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "discriminate" correctly and effectively. It's a powerful word with a specific meaning, so it's important to understand it.

1. Core Meaning:

At its most basic, "discriminate" means to make distinctions between things. However, in the context most people think of when they hear this word, it means to unfairly treat people differently based on certain characteristics.

2. Key Usages & Forms:

  • Discriminate (verb - transitive): This is the most common form. It means to treat someone unfairly or to make distinctions against them.

    • Example: "The company discriminated against women by not hiring them for leadership positions."
    • Example: “He discriminated against the homeless by refusing to give them food.”

  • Discrimination (noun): This refers to the act of discriminating or the unfair treatment itself.

    • Example: "The law prohibits discrimination based on race.”
    • Example: "She faced discrimination at work because of her age.”

  • Discriminating (adjective): Describes someone or something that shows discrimination.

    • Example: “The policy was discriminating against older workers.”
    • Example: “His discriminating taste meant he only ever bought expensive art.”

3. Types of Discrimination (and how to describe them):

This is where it gets important to be precise. "Discrimination" isn't just any difference in treatment. It usually implies unfairness. Here are common categories:

  • Race/Ethnicity Discrimination: Treating someone differently due to their race or ethnicity.
  • Gender Discrimination: Treating someone differently due to their gender (male, female, or non-binary). This can include pay inequality, lack of promotion opportunities, or harassment.
  • Age Discrimination: Treating someone differently due to their age (typically 40+).
  • Religion Discrimination: Treating someone differently due to their religion.
  • Sexual Orientation Discrimination: Treating someone differently due to their sexual orientation.
  • Disability Discrimination: Treating someone differently because of a physical or mental disability.
  • Socioeconomic Discrimination: Treating someone differently based on their income or social class.

4. Examples in Sentences (showing nuances):

  • Strong & Clear Discrimination: "The landlord discriminated against the family by refusing to rent to them solely because they had a young child." (This is clearly unfair.)
  • Subtle Discrimination (Can be tricky – needs careful wording): “Although the policy claimed to be neutral, it had a discriminating effect on minority applicants, as they were less likely to be selected for interviews.” (Here, ‘discriminating effect’ acknowledges the outcome is unequal, even if the policy wasn’t intentionally designed to be discriminatory.)
  • Using "Discrimination" as a noun: “She filed a complaint of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.”

5. Important Considerations & Cautions:

  • Intent vs. Impact: Discrimination can occur whether the intention is to be unfair or not. The impact – the result of the treatment – is what matters.
  • Bias: Discrimination is often rooted in unconscious bias. It’s not always a conscious or malicious act.
  • Legal Context: “Discrimination” has specific legal definitions and implications. If you’re discussing legal issues, it's essential to understand the relevant laws in your area.

Resources for More Information:

  • EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission): https://www.eeoc.gov/ – Excellent resource on employment discrimination.
  • ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union): https://www.aclu.org/ – Information on civil rights and discrimination laws.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you thinking of when you want to use "discriminate"? (e.g., a personal experience, a hypothetical situation, a discussion of legal issues?)

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