indiscriminately
UK[ˌɪndɪˈskrɪmɪnətli]US[ˌɪndɪˈskrɪmɪnətli]
adv
in a way that does not show careful thought or planning, and so does not distinguish between different things or people
adv
in a way that is done to all things or people without careful choice or judgment
Morpheme Breakdown
in
discriminate
ly
in
not
discriminate
distinguish
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word "indiscriminately" is built upon the core concept of distinction, derived from the latin discrimen, meaning a dividing line or separation. the prefix "in-" negates this core, creating a sense of "not making distinctions." the verb "discriminate" historically meant to perceive or mark differences, a neutral term that later specialized into its modern, often negative social meaning. by adding the adverbial suffix "-ly," the word describes the manner of acting without differentiation, evolving from a literal sense of not dividing to the modern abstract meaning of applying something randomly or without careful selection.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + discriminate (distinguish) + ly (adverb suffix)
- in: a latin prefix meaning "not" or "without".
- discriminate: from latin discriminare (to divide, distinguish), itself from discrimen (distinction, division).
- ly: an old english suffix used to form adverbs from adjectives.
Examples
the herbicide kills plants indiscriminately, harming both weeds and flowers.
during the riot, police were accused of firing indiscriminately into the crowd.
he collects stamps indiscriminately, with no particular focus on country or era.