discernment

noun

dis·​cern·​ment di-ˈsərn-mənt How to pronounce discernment (audio)
-ˈzərn-
plural discernments
1
: the quality of being able to comprehend what is obscure : skill in discerning
He displayed a lack of discernment in selecting suitable job candidates.
2
: an act of perceiving or discerning something
the quick discernment of an opponent's weaknesses
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 people affected by the housing crisis

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Artistic emphasis dramatically shifts away from an object’s traditional role of delivering specific meaning and toward a viewer’s individualized discernment. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024 Bask in your creative talents and natural charisma, but be sure to channel this energy with discernment as Mars will eventually station retrograde in December. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024 Sotheby’s, known for exclusivity and discernment, recently announced a significant long-term partnership with Chivas Brothers. Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 The team’s been focused on outreach to convey a central message: Human involvement, and discernment, matters. Leslie Katz, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for discernment 

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 21 Nov. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on discernment

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