Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /dɪsˈkrɪmɪneɪtɪŋ/
KK: /dɪsˈkrɪməˌneɪtɪŋ/
Definition
Able to recognize differences and make careful choices; showing good judgment or taste.
Example
She is a discriminating buyer who only chooses the best quality products.
Conversation

I really appreciate how discriminating you are when choosing restaurants.

Thanks! I just believe that good food deserves careful selection.

That's true! Your taste is always so spot on with the best places.

I try my best to find spots that appeal to a more discriminating palate.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
discerning
judicious
selective
Antonyms
indiscriminate
unbiased
unselective
Root Explanation
Discriminating → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "criminare" (meaning to separate or distinguish). The word describes the act of distinguishing or recognizing differences between things.
Memory Tip
Think of 'separating' ('dis-') and 'distinguishing' ('criminare') to remember that discriminating means recognizing differences.
Visually Confused Words
undiscriminating
indiscriminating
undiscriminatingly
indiscriminatingly
indiscrimination
prediscrimination
nondiscrimination
undiscriminatingness