Understanding Discriminating and Discriminatory: Clear Differences

Discriminating vs. Discriminatory

The words “discriminating” and “discriminatory” might look similar, but they have different meanings. Let’s explore how these words are different and how to use them correctly.

History

The word “discriminate” comes from a Latin word that means to separate or choose. Both “discriminating” and “discriminatory” come from this root.

• Discriminating: This adjective means to have good taste or judgment. It can mean being able to tell small differences between things.
• Discriminatory: This adjective means unfair treatment of different categories of people, often based on race, age, or sex.

How to Use Them

Here are some example sentences for each word to help understand their meanings better:

Discriminating

1. She has discriminating taste in food and only eats the best chocolate.
2. The art critic has a discriminating eye for paintings.
3. John is a discriminating reader; he only enjoys the best books.
4. The chef made a dish that could satisfy even the most discriminating diner.
5. A discriminating shopper knows where to find high-quality clothes at a good price.

Discriminatory

1. Discriminatory laws are unfair and target specific groups of people.
2. The company was accused of having discriminatory hiring practices.
3. Discriminatory treatment of students is against school rules.
4. We must fight against discriminatory behavior in the workplace.
5. The team lost because of a discriminatory decision by the referee.

Trick to Remember the Difference

• Discriminating: Think of it as “discerning” or “selective” in a positive way.
• Discriminatory: It often means “unfair” or “biased” in a negative way.

Summary

“Discriminating” is used when talking about someone who makes careful choices and has good taste. “Discriminatory” is used when someone is unfairly treating people differently based on certain characteristics. Remember, “discriminating” is usually positive, while “discriminatory” is negative.