What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
differentiate
Example
Can you differentiate between these two fabrics? [differentiate: verb]
Example
The teacher asked the students to differentiate between the different types of plants. [differentiate: verb]
discriminate
Example
It is illegal to discriminate against someone based on their age. [discriminate: verb]
Example
The chef can discriminate between different types of spices just by smelling them. [discriminate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Differentiate is more commonly used than discriminate in everyday language. Differentiate is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while discriminate is more specific and often associated with negative connotations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between differentiate and discriminate?
Differentiate is a more formal word than discriminate. It is often used in academic or technical writing, while discriminate is more commonly used in social or legal contexts.
