Cool MateDiscrimination vs Prejudice
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Discrimination
Prejudice
| Discrimination | Prejudice | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈprɛdʒ.ʊ.dɪs//🇺🇸 //ˈprɛdʒ.ə.dɪs// |
| Meaning | Treating people differently and unfairly based on certain traits. | An unfair opinion about someone based on their group. |
| Example | Discrimination based on race is illegal in many countries. | His prejudice against certain ethnic groups was evident in his statements. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | gender, 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 between | racial prejudice, social prejudice, sexist prejudice, overcome prejudice, express prejudice |
| Antonyms | equality, fairness | acceptance, tolerance, open-mindedness |
| Common mistakes | 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 '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 | Use in discussions about social justice, equality, and human rights. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing serious topics. | Used in discussions about discrimination and social justice. Avoid using casually or in non-serious contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Discrimination vs Prejudice
What's the difference between Discrimination and Prejudice?
Discrimination: Treating people differently and unfairly based on certain traits. Prejudice: An unfair opinion about someone based on their group.
Which is more formal: Discrimination and Prejudice?
Prejudice is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Discrimination and Prejudice?
Discrimination is the most common in everyday English.
Are Discrimination and Prejudice the same CEFR level?
Discrimination: C1, Prejudice: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Discrimination and Prejudice?
Discrimination: noun, Prejudice: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Discrimination: Discrimination based on race is illegal in many countries. Prejudice: His prejudice against certain ethnic groups was evident in his statements.
Can I use Discrimination and Prejudice interchangeably?
Not always. Discrimination 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.