Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/dɪsˈkrɪmɪnətɔːri/

Definitions

• Characterized by making an unfair or unequal distinction between individuals or groups, often based on race, gender, age, or other factors.
• Referring to behavior, policies, or practices that result in prejudice or unequal treatment.

Usage Examples

• The company was accused of discriminatory hiring practices, favoring certain demographics over others.
• Discriminatory laws were challenged in court as violations of human rights.
• The school adopted a policy to eliminate discriminatory practices within the education system.

Etymology

From the word "discriminate" (from Latin "discriminare," meaning "to separate, distinguish"), combined with the adjective-forming suffix "-ory." The term began to take on negative connotations in the 19th and 20th centuries as awareness grew of systemic inequality and social injustice.

Synonyms

• Prejudiced
• Biased
• Unjust
• Unequal
• Partial

Antonyms

• Fair
• Equal
• Impartial
• Unbiased
• Non-discriminatory

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the stress is often placed on the second syllable: "dis-CRIM-i-na-tory."
• In British English, the "i" in the middle syllable is pronounced as a schwa, making the pronunciation softer: "dis-crim-uh-na-tory."
• In Indian English, the word may be pronounced with more clear enunciation of all vowels, making each syllable distinct: "dis-cri-mi-na-to-ree."

Historical Usage

The term "discriminatory" gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly in legal and social justice contexts. It was used to describe policies, practices, or laws that unfairly treated individuals based on race, gender, or other discriminatory characteristics. The civil rights movements of the 1960s and beyond played a significant role in bringing attention to discriminatory systems, and the word was widely used in the fight for equality.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, discriminatory practices are considered unethical and are seen as violations of human rights. The word is often associated with social movements advocating for equality and justice. In some contexts, especially in law or policy, the term may also be used to describe distinctions that are considered unfair or illegal. However, in the field of science or classification, "discriminatory" may have a more neutral or technical meaning, referring to the ability to distinguish between different types or categories without judgment.

More Information

The adjective "discriminatory" is central to discussions of fairness, bias, and justice. It is used to describe actions, practices, or systems that are perceived to favor one group over another based on arbitrary or unjust criteria. As global awareness of systemic discrimination has grown, the term has become an important part of discourse on civil rights, gender equality, racial justice, and other movements striving for an equitable society. Efforts to eliminate discriminatory practices continue worldwide in various forms of advocacy, policy-making, and education.