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Synonyms

discerning

American  
[dih-sur-ning, -zur-] / dɪˈsɜr nɪŋ, -ˈzɜr- /

adjective

  1. showing good or outstanding judgment and understanding.

    a discerning critic of French poetry.
    Synonyms:
    discriminating, sharp, keen, perceptive
discerning British  
/ dɪˈsɜːnɪŋ /

adjective

  1. having or showing good taste or judgment; discriminating

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What does discerning mean? Discerning is an adjective that means able to discern—recognize small details, accurately tell the difference between similar things, and make intelligent judgements by using such observations.Discerning is also the continuous (-ing) form of the verb discern. As an adjective, it can be used to describe someone who has the ability to discern or to describe such an ability.The ability to do this or the process of doing it is called discernment, as in Only through careful discernment can you tell a genuine artifact from the work of a counterfeiter. Things that can be identified or distinguished in such a way can be described as discernible.A close synonym of discerning is discriminating (not in the prejudicial sense).Example: Most chefs have a very discerning sense of taste.

Other Word Forms

  • discerningly adverb
  • nondiscerning adjective
  • undiscerning adjective
  • undiscerningly adverb

Etymology

Origin of discerning

First recorded in 1600–10; discern + -ing 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In years past, she said in a post on X, women would throng textile stores, giving a discerning touch to the fabric they would purchase for newlyweds.

From Los Angeles Times

“We continue discerning with our Order where to live our Cistercian monastic life, keeping you informed as this process unfolds,” they said.

From MarketWatch

With Epstein, their societal ambitions were so urgent they failed to be discerning.

From The Wall Street Journal

Melodrama doesn’t exactly have the most sterling reputation for discerning cinema viewers.

From Salon

“A storied townhouse that has played host to luminaries from all industries, this once-in-a-lifetime offering awaits the most discerning buyer,” the description added.

From MarketWatch

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.