DISCRIMINATORY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does discriminatory mean? 

• DISCRIMINATORY (adjective)
  The adjective DISCRIMINATORY has 4 senses:

1. being biased or having a belief or attitude formed beforehand

2. containing or implying a slight or showing prejudice

3. capable of making fine distinctions

4. manifesting partiality

  Familiarity information: DISCRIMINATORY used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DISCRIMINATORY (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Being biased or having a belief or attitude formed beforehand

Synonyms:

discriminatory; prejudiced

Context example:

a prejudiced judge

Similar:

homophobic (prejudiced against homosexual people)

jaundiced (showing or affected by prejudice or envy or distaste)

loaded ((of statements or questions) charged with associative significance and often meant to mislead or influence)

anti-Semite; antiblack; racist (discriminatory especially on the basis of race or religion)

sexist (discriminatory on the basis of sex (usually said of men's attitude toward women))

Derivation:

discriminate (treat differently on the basis of sex or race)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Containing or implying a slight or showing prejudice

Synonyms:

discriminatory; invidious

Context example:

invidious comparisons

Similar:

unfavorable; unfavourable (not encouraging or approving or pleasing)

Derivation:

discriminate (treat differently on the basis of sex or race)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Capable of making fine distinctions

Synonyms:

discriminative; discriminatory

Similar:

discriminating (showing or indicating careful judgment and discernment especially in matters of taste)

Derivation:

discriminate (recognize or perceive the difference)

discriminate (distinguish)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Manifesting partiality

Synonyms:

discriminatory; preferential

Context example:

a preferential shop gives priority or advantage to union members in hiring or promoting

Similar:

advantageous; favorable; favourable (giving an advantage)

Derivation:

discriminate (treat differently on the basis of sex or race)