discernment

noun

dis·​cern·​ment di-ˈsərn-mənt How to pronounce discernment (audio)
-ˈzərn-
1
: the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure : skill in discerning
2
: an act of perceiving or discerning something
Choose the Right Synonym for discernment

discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind.

discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Examples of discernment in a Sentence

I wasn't sanguine about my powers of discernment, as I've failed similar exercises in the Central Park Ramble, where I practice bird-watching for dummies and am scarcely able to distinguish a rook from a duck. Judith Thurman, New Yorker, 1 Dec., 2003
Varying widely in scope and theme, the 10 essays about the Bill of Rights in this collection often shine with insight and sparkling turns of phrase; some, however, betray lack of discernment. Jonathan Kellerman et al., Publishers Weekly, 17 Apr. 2000
If one searched the archives to find an example of Spanish colonial policy at its worst, one would surely select Don Carlos Benites Franquis de Lugo, a vain, arrogant, opinionated fop who never displayed a shred of either courage or discernment but who did distinguish himself as one of the most inept and vengeful Spaniards ever to function overseas. James A. Michener, Texas, 1985
His lack of discernment led to his disastrous choice of business partners. the discernment to know when someone is a true friend
Recent Examples on the Web The dissatisfaction peaks around the 21st, but so, too, does your discernment. Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2024 Rogoff, however, had the discernment to understand that the practice of theater and the practice of criticism were not incompatible. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2024 Peeling through the case's deceptive veneer, Harper encounters a web of seduction and half-truths that challenge her discernment. Travis Bean, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 Being too hard on people is not a good thing, but discernment is. Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2024 Real issues — from the lack of affordable housing to a potential world war erupting out of the Middle East to the multiple criminal trials of the Republican front-runner — requiring discernment and serious thought. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2024 When a letter opens in this manner, my keen powers of discernment quickly conclude that the writer is most likely a Trump supporter. Dan Rodricks, Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 2024 Given an infinite answer machine, those with the imagination and discernment to ask the right questions will succeed. Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 16 Nov. 2023 With skill and discernment, Pfeiffer’s art probes the formidable aesthetic now, amplified by the digital revolution. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 15 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'discernment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

discern + -ment, perhaps after Middle French discernement

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of discernment was in 1570

Dictionary Entries Near discernment

Cite this Entry

“Discernment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discernment. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

discernment

noun
dis·​cern·​ment dis-ˈərn-mənt How to pronounce discernment (audio)
diz-
: the quality of being able to understand clearly

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