What does discriminating mean?
'Discriminating' is an adjective describing someone or something capable of making fine judgements about quality. A discriminating diner notices subtle flavors; a discriminating investor distinguishes genuine value from hype. In this sense the word is a compliment, implying discernment, refinement, and selectivity rather than mere pickiness. The word derives from Latin 'discriminare', meaning to divide or distinguish, and it carries a second, less common sense: simply distinguishing between things or treating them differently. This older sense has grown sensitive because of its link to discrimination as unfair treatment, so careful writers often reserve 'discriminating' exclusively for its positive meaning. Common pairings include 'a discriminating palate', 'a discriminating audience', and 'discriminating taste'. For learners, the key point is connotation: calling a person discriminatory criticizes their behavior toward others, while calling them discriminating praises the sharpness of their judgement. Few adjectives capture the idea of tasteful selectivity quite as precisely.
Showing refined taste, good judgement, or the ability to perceive fine distinctions in quality.
"The restaurant caters to a small but discriminating clientele."
Almost always used approvingly in this sense.
Making or involving distinctions between different things or groups of people; treating them differently.
"The policy was criticized as being discriminating against smaller businesses."
This sense overlaps with 'discriminatory' and is often avoided to prevent confusion with unfair treatment.
The same word that once meant 'making distinctions' now splits English speakers: call someone discriminating and you've complimented their taste — call them discriminatory and you're describing bias.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of discriminating
'Discriminating' comes from the Latin verb 'discriminare' ('to divide, distinguish'), itself built on 'discrimen' ('division, decisive moment'), from the root of 'cernere' ('to sift, decide'). The word entered English via the verb 'discriminate' in the 17th century, initially carrying neutral senses of distinguishing or separating. Its positive sense of refined judgement developed later, while its association with unfair differential treatment became prominent in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially in American legal and civil-rights contexts.
Related word forms
How discriminating is actually used
In its dominant sense, 'discriminating' is complimentary and slightly formal, typically praising taste in food, art, music, or literature. Because 'discriminate' is so strongly associated today with unfair treatment, writers sometimes avoid 'discriminating' for its second sense to prevent ambiguity.
Easily confused with discriminating
Discriminatory means treating people unjustly based on group membership, while discriminating usually praises someone's refined judgement and good taste.
Discerning emphasizes perceptive insight into quality or detail, whereas discriminating additionally implies selective choice based on that perception.