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

Example Sentences

But his essays show a man struggling to figure out the complexities of discernment and judgment.

From The Daily Beast

His patience, discernment, and intelligence are much admired.

From The Daily Beast

I felt I was in the presence of a strong, natural man, gifted with great discernment and ability but full also of human kindness.

From Project Gutenberg

It is the implication that there is a spiritual discernment which is distinct from mental discernment.

From Project Gutenberg

When a man talks about "spiritual discernment," he makes a tacit assertion which ought not to be allowed to pass unchallenged.

From Project Gutenberg

The faculty of reason, then, has excelled this boasted faculty of spiritual discernment in its own religious sphere.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg