Dictionary
discernment
noun dis·cern·ment \di-ˈsərn-mənt, -ˈzərn-\
: the ability to see and understand people, things, or stituations clearly and intelligently
Full Definition of DISCERNMENT
1
: the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure : skill in discerning
2
: an act of perceiving or discerning something
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Examples of DISCERNMENT
- 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
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First Known Use of DISCERNMENT
1586
Related to DISCERNMENT
- Synonyms
- wisdom, insight, perception, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sapience
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
Rhymes with DISCERNMENT
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