Discrimination vs Prejudice always obscures the truth

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

Discrimination

Top 2,000 (common)C1noun

Prejudice always obscures the truth

Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Discrimination
 DiscriminationPrejudice always obscures the truth
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃn/"]/🇬🇧 //ˈprɛdʒʊdɪs//🇺🇸 //ˈprɛdʒəˌdɪs//
MeaningTreating people differently and unfairly based on certain traits.Prejudice makes it hard to see what is true.
ExampleDiscrimination based on race is illegal in many countries.In many situations, **prejudice** can lead to misunderstandings about people's intentions.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelC1-
Part of speechnoun
Collocationsgender, 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 betweenracial prejudice, commit prejudice, overcome prejudice
Antonymsequality, fairnessfairness, impartiality, objectivity, open-mindedness
Common mistakesConfused 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.Confusing 'prejudice' with 'judgment' — they have different meanings., Using 'obscures' incorrectly, like saying 'obscures the truths' instead of 'the truth'.
Usage notesUse in discussions about social justice, equality, and human rights. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing serious topics.This phrase is often used to emphasize that biases can cloud judgement. It is appropriate in discussions about fairness and integrity but may be less suitable in casual conversations.

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Prejudice always obscures the truth

Frequently asked questions: Discrimination vs Prejudice always obscures the truth

What's the difference between Discrimination and Prejudice always obscures the truth?

Discrimination: Treating people differently and unfairly based on certain traits. Prejudice always obscures the truth: Prejudice makes it hard to see what is true.

Which is more common: Discrimination and Prejudice always obscures the truth?

Discrimination is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Discrimination: Discrimination based on race is illegal in many countries. Prejudice always obscures the truth: In many situations, **prejudice** can lead to misunderstandings about people's intentions.

Can I use Discrimination and Prejudice always obscures the truth interchangeably?

Not always. Discrimination and Prejudice always obscures the truth 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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