Word
discriminating
Phoneticsdis·crim·i·nat·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈkɹɪməˌneɪtɪŋ/
UK/dɪskɹˈɪmɪnˌeɪtɪŋ/
Definitions
01having good taste
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. having excellent taste and the ability to judge the quality of something accurately.
adj. possessing or showing refined judgment and the ability to perceive fine distinctions in quality or style.
“A discriminating collector only buys the finest examples of modern art.”
“The boutique caters to a discriminating clientele who value artisanal craftsmanship over mass-produced luxury goods.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02able to see small differences
C1 · Advanced Science Technical · Academic
adj. able to see or notice small differences between similar things.
adj. capable of making precise distinctions between similar stimuli or concepts.
“The test is discriminating enough to find tiny errors in the software.”
“The study required a highly discriminating method of analysis to separate the various chemical isotopes present in the sample.”
Synonyms
03treating people unfairly
B2 · Upper Intermediate Law
v. treating a person or group worse than others because of their skin colour, gender, or age.
v. the act of making an unjust or prejudicial distinction in the treatment of different categories of people.
“The company was accused of discriminating against older workers during the layoffs.”
“International law prohibits discriminating against individuals based on their religious beliefs or ethnic background.”
Usage
Usually followed by the preposition 'against'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“In a post on X on Thursday, Cofnas said: “I am under investigation by my university for discriminating against Arday.” He added in a separate post: “I was just suspended by Ghent University.” “Nathan Cofnas says he is being investigated for discriminating against the late Cambridge professor.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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