Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having or demonstrating the ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions: Characterized by keen perception, judgment, and the ability to make subtle differentiations, especially in matters of quality, taste, or detail.
   • Showing or indicating careful judgment and discernment, especially in matters of taste: Reflecting refined and informed preferences, often associated with expertise or connoisseurship.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • She has a discriminating palate and can identify the subtlest flavors in wine.
  • The museum's collection was assembled by a discriminating curator with an eye for true masterpieces.
  • His discriminating analysis of the novel's themes revealed layers of meaning others had missed.

Advanced Usage

• "discriminating taste": Refers to a refined and highly selective sense of aesthetic or qualitative judgment.
  • The boutique caters to clients with discriminating taste in fashion.
• "discriminating eye/ear/palate": Highlights a specific sense or faculty that is particularly keen and perceptive.
  • Only a photographer with a discriminating eye could have captured that perfect moment.

Variants and Related Words

• Discriminate (verb): To recognize a distinction; to differentiate.
  • The software can discriminate between thousands of different patterns.
• Discrimination (noun): The act of making fine distinctions; the ability to do so. (Note: This word also has a separate, common meaning related to unfair treatment).
  • Her discrimination in selecting materials resulted in a product of superior quality.
• Indiscriminating (adjective): Lacking discrimination or careful choice; not selective.
  • The indiscriminating use of pesticides can harm the environment.

Synonyms

• Discerning: Showing good judgment, especially in style or quality.
• Perceptive: Having or showing sensitive insight.
• Astute: Having an ability to accurately assess situations or people; shrewd.
• Keen: Highly developed, sharp (e.g., ).

Antonyms

• Undiscriminating: Not making careful distinctions or choices.
• Indiscriminate: Done at random or without careful judgment.
• Uncritical: Not expressing criticism or careful analysis.

Adjective

1. having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
   • an acute observer of politics and politicians
   • incisive comments
   • icy knifelike reasoning
   • as sharp and incisive as the stroke of a fang
   • penetrating insight
   • frequent penetrative observations
2. showing or indicating careful judgment and discernment especially in matters of taste
   • the discriminating eye of the connoisseur