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discernment
[ dih-surn-muhnt, -zurn- ]
noun
- the faculty of discerning; discerning; discrimination; acuteness of judgment and understanding.
Synonyms: insight, penetration, perspicacity, judgment
- the act or an instance of discerning. discerning.
discernment
/ dɪˈsɜːnmənt /
noun
- keen perception or judgment
Other Words From
- nondis·cernment noun
- predis·cernment noun
- self-dis·cernment noun
Word History and Origins
Origin of discernment1
Example Sentences
Discernment is all about understanding the nature of your own desire so that you can actually be happy.
Discernment and taste could be an aspect of why one chooses one brand over the other, the way drinkers interact with beer or wine.
It’s important to recognize that none of the people on Goodell’s staff had any special experience or magical discernment.
Since men were given the roles of politician and war-maker, it was equally convenient to believe that biology predisposed them to discernment and bravery.
But his essays show a man struggling to figure out the complexities of discernment and judgment.
His patience, discernment, and intelligence are much admired.
I felt I was in the presence of a strong, natural man, gifted with great discernment and ability but full also of human kindness.
It is the implication that there is a spiritual discernment which is distinct from mental discernment.
When a man talks about "spiritual discernment," he makes a tacit assertion which ought not to be allowed to pass unchallenged.
The faculty of reason, then, has excelled this boasted faculty of spiritual discernment in its own religious sphere.
It may be an idle fancy, but if that string is not a woven strand from some womans crowning glory, then I have no discernment.
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More About Discernment
What does discernment mean?
Discernment is the ability to recognize small details, accurately tell the difference between similar things, and make intelligent judgements by using such observations.
It’s a noun form of the verb discern, which means to recognize, distinguish, or make judgments in this way, as in These two scents may smell identical to the average person, but an experienced perfumer can discern the difference between them.
Things that can be identified or distinguished in such a way can be described as discernible. The adjective discerning can be used to describe someone who shows discernment or to describe such an ability, as in Most chefs have a very discerning palate. A close synonym is discriminating. The noun discrimination can be used to mean the same thing as discernment (though it’s more commonly used to refer to the practice of prejudicial treatment, which is not one of the senses of discernment).
Example: Only through careful discernment can you tell a genuine artifact from the work of a counterfeiter.
Where does discernment come from?
The first records of the word discernment come from the late 1500s. Its base word, the verb discern, derives from the Latin term discernere, meaning “to separate” or “to divide,” from dis-, meaning “apart,” and cernere, “to separate.” The suffix -ment indicates a process or action: the process of discerning.
Discernment is the ability to tell things apart—to separate them, even when they appear to be very similar. People with discernment are able to make keen observations about things. Discernment is often thought to be an ability of those with wisdom or experience. It often involves making a judgment, especially about things that aren’t obvious. For example, it takes discernment to accurately judge someone’s character.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to discernment?
- nondiscernment (noun)
- prediscernment (noun)
- self-discernment (noun)
- discern (verb)
What are some synonyms for discernment?
What are some words that share a root or word element with discernment?
What are some words that often get used in discussing discernment?
How is discernment used in real life?
Discernment is a somewhat formal word and is typically used in serious contexts.
The lack of empathy some “spiritual” people on here have is terrifying. Please use discernment when choosing who to follow and listen to. Think for yourselves, don’t just blindly follow what someone says
— Aqua Moon Mystic 🔮🌙 (@MysticSophie) March 15, 2020
Always keep your discernment strong and never limit your knowledge.
— Royaltee 🦁🤴🏾 (@Stayy_blessed) March 16, 2020
Have the discernment to know the difference between hate speech and speech you hate.
— Ayishat Akanbi (@Ayishat_Akanbi) July 13, 2020
Try using discernment!
Which of the following actions is LEAST likely to be involved in the process of discernment?
A. differentiating
B. distinguishing
C. observing
D. ignoring
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