discriminate: Meaning and Definition of

dis•crim•i•nate

1. to make a distinction in favor of or against a person or thing on the basis of the group, class, or category to which the person or thing belongs rather than according to actual merit; show partiality: The new law discriminates against foreigners. He discriminates in favor of his relatives.
2. to note or observe a difference; distinguish accurately: to discriminate between things.

1. to make or constitute a distinction in or between; differentiate: a mark that discriminates the original from the copy.
2. to note or distinguish as different: He can discriminate minute variations in tone.

1. marked by discrimination; making or evidencing nice distinctions: discriminate people; discriminate judgments.