Discriminate vs. Discrimination

Attribute	Discriminate	Discrimination
Definition	Recognize a distinction; differentiate	Unfair treatment of a person or group based on prejudice
Verb form	Discriminates	Discriminates
Noun form	Discrimination	Discrimination
Positive connotation	Can have a positive connotation in certain contexts	Generally has a negative connotation
Legal implications	May not have legal implications	Can have legal implications if it involves protected characteristics

Definition

Discriminate and discrimination are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Discriminate is a verb that means to recognize a distinction between things or to differentiate. It can also mean to treat someone unfairly based on their characteristics. Discrimination, on the other hand, is a noun that refers to the act of treating someone unfairly or unjustly based on their race, gender, age, or other characteristics.

Usage

When we talk about discriminating, we are usually referring to the act of making a distinction or judgment between things. For example, a wine connoisseur may discriminate between different types of wine based on their taste and quality. On the other hand, discrimination is often used in the context of social issues and refers to the unfair treatment of individuals or groups based on their identity.

Positive vs. Negative Connotations

Discriminate can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context in which it is used. In a positive sense, discriminating can mean having good taste or being able to make careful distinctions. For example, a discriminating shopper may choose only the best quality products. However, when used in a negative sense, discriminating can imply prejudice or bias. On the other hand, discrimination almost always carries a negative connotation, as it involves unfair treatment and prejudice.

Legal Implications

Discrimination is a term that is often used in legal contexts to refer to the unfair treatment of individuals based on their race, gender, age, or other protected characteristics. Discrimination is illegal in many countries and is prohibited in the workplace, housing, and other areas. Discriminate, on the other hand, does not have the same legal implications and is generally used in a broader sense to refer to the act of making distinctions or judgments.

Impact on Society

Discrimination has a significant impact on society, as it can lead to inequality, social division, and injustice. Discrimination can prevent individuals from accessing opportunities, resources, and services based on factors beyond their control. Discriminate, on the other hand, can have a more neutral impact on society, as it simply refers to the act of making distinctions or judgments.

Examples

One example of discrimination is racial discrimination, where individuals are treated unfairly based on their race or ethnicity. This can manifest in hiring practices, housing discrimination, or unequal treatment in the criminal justice system. On the other hand, an example of discriminating could be a chef who discriminates between different types of spices to create a unique and flavorful dish.