[syn: discrimination, secernment]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Discrimination \Dis*crim`i*na"tion\, n. [L. discriminatio the
contrasting of opposite thoughts.]
1. The act of discriminating, distinguishing, or noting and
marking differences.
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To make an anxious discrimination between the
miracle absolute and providential. --Trench.
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2. The state of being discriminated, distinguished, or set
apart. --Sir J. Reynolds.
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3. (Railroads) The arbitrary imposition of unequal tariffs
for substantially the same service.
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A difference in rates, not based upon any
corresponding difference in cost, constitutes a case
of discrimination. --A. T.
Hadley.
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4. The quality of being discriminating; faculty of nicely
distinguishing; acute discernment; as, to show great
discrimination in the choice of means.
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5. That which discriminates; mark of distinction.
Syn: Discernment; penetration; clearness; acuteness;
judgment; distinction. See Discernment.
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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
discrimination
n 1: unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of
prejudice [syn: discrimination, favoritism,
favouritism]
2: the cognitive process whereby two or more stimuli are
distinguished [syn: discrimination, secernment]