Diskrimineerivad

Diskrimineerivad is the Estonian present-tense form of the verb diskrimineerima, meaning “they discriminate.” It indicates that multiple subjects are performing discriminatory treatment or bias. The base verb is used in both everyday language and formal discussions of unequal treatment.

Usage and nuances: Discrimination involves treating people unfavorably based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation. Diskrimineerivad describes ongoing or habitual actions by a group. It can refer to direct discrimination (explicitly unequal treatment) or, in broader discussion, to practices that yield unfair outcomes. Example: Nad diskrimineerivad inimesi vanuse alusel. (They discriminate against people on the basis of age.)

Etymology and related terms: The Estonian verb diskrimineerima derives from root diskrimineer- and is cognate with similar terms in other European languages, tracing back to French discriminer and Latin discriminare. The noun form diskrimineerimine denotes discrimination, and related adjectives describe discriminatory practices as diskrimineeriv.

Legal and social context: Discrimination is addressed in international human rights instruments and in national laws that promote equality and prohibit biased treatment. Prohibitions typically cover both direct discrimination and measures with disproportionate adverse effects on protected groups. Enforcement mechanisms include courts, anti-discrimination bodies, and remedies ranging from policy changes to compensation.

See also: diskrimineerimine; võrdõiguslikkus; anti-discrimination law.