What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discriminate
Example
It is illegal to discriminate against someone based on their age or disability. [discriminate: verb]
Example
She has a good ear and can discriminate between different musical notes. [discriminate: verb]
distinguish
Example
I can't distinguish between the two twins, they look so alike. [distinguish: verb]
Example
Her talent for painting helped her distinguish herself from other artists. [distinguish: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distinguish is more commonly used than discriminate in everyday language. Distinguish is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while discriminate is less common and is typically associated with negative or controversial situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discriminate and distinguish?
Distinguish is generally considered more formal than discriminate. While discriminate is often associated with negative or controversial situations, distinguish can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe recognizing differences or standing out from others.
