discriminative

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /dɪsˈkrɪmɪnətɪv/

KK: /dɪsˈkrɪmɪnətɪv/

adjective

Definition

Having the ability to recognize or show differences between things.

Example

The discriminative nature of the test allowed it to identify subtle variations in the samples.

Conversation

Have you noticed how some job listings are quite discriminative?

Yeah, it’s frustrating when they favor one group over another.

Exactly! It's important to create fair opportunities for everyone.

Totally agree; we need to challenge those discriminative practices.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

discerning

selective

differentiating

Antonyms

indiscriminate

unbiased

neutral

Root Explanation

Discriminative → It is formed from "discriminare" (meaning to distinguish) and the suffix "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "discriminative" refers to having the ability to distinguish or differentiate between things.

Memory Tip

Think of the ability to 'distinguish' ('discriminare') and remember that 'discriminative' means having the nature of distinguishing.

Visually Confused Words

undiscriminative

indiscriminative

criminative

indiscriminatively