By the inequities of the selfish vs Discrimination vs Inequality

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

By the inequities of the selfish

FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)

Discrimination

Top 2,000 (common)C1noun

Inequality

FormalTop 1,000 (very common)C1noun
Most common: Inequality
 By the inequities of the selfishDiscriminationInequality
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //baɪ ði ˌɪnˈɛkwɪtiz əv ðə ˈsɛlfɪʃ//🇺🇸 //baɪ ði ˌɪnˈɛkwɪtiz əv ðə ˈsɛlfɪʃ//🇬🇧 /["/dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃn/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪnɪˈkwɑːləti/"]/
MeaningThe unfairness caused by selfish people.Treating people differently and unfairly based on certain traits.A situation where things are not equal or fair.
ExampleMany suffer by the inequities of the selfish in this society.Discrimination based on race is illegal in many countries.The government is working to reduce economic inequality between different social groups.
RegisterFormalNeutralFormal
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 2,000 (common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-C1C1
Part of speechnounnoun
Collocationsaddress inequities, highlight inequities, suffer from inequities, combat inequities, expose inequitiesgender, sex, sexual, level, amount to, constitute, encounter, occur, exist, discrimination against, discrimination by, discrimination in favour/​favor of, an act of discrimination, discrimination based on something, evidence of discrimination, fine, great, colour/​color, make, show, discrimination between, fine, great, colour/​color, make, show, discrimination betweengreat, gross, substantial, cause, create, lead to, exist, arise from something, be based on something, inequality between, inequality in, inequalities of power, wealth, etc., a pattern of inequality
Antonyms-equality, fairnessequality, fairness
Common mistakesConfused with similar phrases like 'By the inequalities of the selfish.', Misinterpreted as a personal attack instead of a general observation about society., Used incorrectly in informal contexts without acknowledging the gravity of the statement.Confused with 'prejudice' which is more about thoughts, while discrimination involves actions., Using it as a verb; 'discriminate' is the verb form., Mixing it up with 'segregation' which specifically refers to separation.Confused with 'equal' vs 'inequal'., Using it in singular form when it’s not countable., Mixing up the meaning with 'inequity', which has a slightly different connotation.
Usage notesThis phrase is often used in literary or philosophical contexts to discuss morality and ethics. It implies a deep critique of selfish behaviors leading to social injustice.Use in discussions about social justice, equality, and human rights. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing serious topics.Used in discussions about social, economic, or educational fairness. Often seen in academic or policy contexts; avoid in casual conversations.

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By the inequities of the selfish

Frequently asked questions: By the inequities of the selfish vs Discrimination vs Inequality

What's the difference between By the inequities of the selfish, Discrimination, and Inequality?

By the inequities of the selfish: The unfairness caused by selfish people. Discrimination: Treating people differently and unfairly based on certain traits. Inequality: A situation where things are not equal or fair.

Which is more common: By the inequities of the selfish, Discrimination, and Inequality?

Inequality is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

By the inequities of the selfish: Many suffer by the inequities of the selfish in this society. Discrimination: Discrimination based on race is illegal in many countries. Inequality: The government is working to reduce economic inequality between different social groups.

Can I use By the inequities of the selfish, Discrimination, and Inequality interchangeably?

Not always. By the inequities of the selfish, Discrimination, and Inequality are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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