discernment

[ dih-surn-muhnt, -zurn- ]

noun

1. the faculty of discerning; discerning; discrimination; acuteness of judgment and understanding.

   Synonyms: insight, penetration, perspicacity, judgment

2. the act or an instance of discerning. discerning.

discernment

/ dɪˈsɜːnmənt /

noun

1. keen perception or judgment

Other Words From

• nondis·cernment noun
• predis·cernment noun
• self-dis·cernment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of discernment¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Middle French discernement, equivalent to discern(er) “to separate” ( discern ) + -ment -ment