Cool MateDiscriminate vs Prejudice
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Discriminate
Prejudice
| Discriminate | Prejudice | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dɪsˈkrɪmɪneɪt//🇺🇸 //dɪsˈkrɪməˌneɪt// | 🇬🇧 //ˈprɛdʒ.ʊ.dɪs//🇺🇸 //ˈprɛdʒ.ə.dɪs// |
| Meaning | To treat one person or group unfairly because of differences. | An unfair opinion about someone based on their group. |
| Example | It is illegal to discriminate against employees based on gender. | His prejudice against certain ethnic groups was evident in his statements. |
| Register | Formal | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | discriminate against, discriminate based on, discriminate between | racial prejudice, social prejudice, sexist prejudice, overcome prejudice, express prejudice |
| Antonyms | integrate, unite | acceptance, tolerance, open-mindedness |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'discriminative', which means different things., Using 'discriminate' without 'against' when referring to groups., Misunderstanding it as a synonym for 'differentiate'. | Confused with 'prejudice' as a verb (e.g., using it as an action)., Omitting the article ('a' or 'the') before 'prejudice'., Mixing up 'prejudice' with 'prejudiced' (the adjective form). |
| Usage notes | Used in contexts related to fairness, equality, and social issues. Avoid in casual conversations. | Used in discussions about discrimination and social justice. Avoid using casually or in non-serious contexts. |
Frequently asked questions: Discriminate vs Prejudice
What's the difference between Discriminate and Prejudice?
Discriminate: To treat one person or group unfairly because of differences. Prejudice: An unfair opinion about someone based on their group.
Which is more common: Discriminate and Prejudice?
Discriminate is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Discriminate and Prejudice?
Prejudice is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Discriminate and Prejudice the same CEFR level?
Discriminate: B1, Prejudice: C1 on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Discriminate: It is illegal to discriminate against employees based on gender. Prejudice: His prejudice against certain ethnic groups was evident in his statements.
Can I use Discriminate and Prejudice interchangeably?
Not always. Discriminate and Prejudice 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.