Latin Origins:
* "Discriminare": This Latin verb means "to separate, distinguish, or discern." It is formed from the prefix "dis-" meaning "apart" and the verb "crimen" meaning "to sift, separate, or judge."
English Evolution:
* 14th Century: The word "discrimination" first appeared in English, directly translated from the Latin "discriminatio." It initially referred to the act of making a distinction, often in a neutral sense.
* 16th-18th Centuries: The word evolved to encompass the act of making a difference or distinction, particularly in a legal or judicial context. This included the process of separating and judging individuals or things based on specific criteria.
* 19th Century: "Discrimination" began taking on its modern, negative connotation, specifically referring to the unjust and unfair treatment of individuals based on their race, religion, gender, or other characteristics.
* 20th Century: This negative meaning solidified, becoming a widely recognized term for prejudice and unfair treatment based on group affiliation.
Key Points:
* The word's origin is rooted in the concept of "separating" or "distinguishing."
* The negative connotation developed gradually over centuries, reflecting societal shifts and evolving understandings of equality and fairness.
Therefore, while the word "discrimination" originally had a neutral meaning, its current usage primarily denotes negative actions that unfairly target specific individuals or groups.