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

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discerning British  

/ dɪˈsɜːnɪŋ /

adjective

1. having or showing good taste or judgment; discriminating

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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

EDN’s website, with its elegantly art-directed photoshoots, is meant to appeal to discerning shoppers who want to apply the same scrutiny to their clothes as they do to the things they eat.

From The Wall Street Journal

Richardson says she’s always been open but discerning when it comes to her career.

From Los Angeles Times

It also suggests that investors may be becoming more discerning amid all the noise surrounding AI.

From The Wall Street Journal

To attract increasingly discerning consumers, Kroger has offered a precooked holiday meal for eight of turkey or ham, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, cranberry and gravy for about $11 a person.

From Los Angeles Times

Armed with this knowledge, the buyers became more discerning.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• astute
• insightful
• knowledgeable
• penetrating
• perceptive
• piercing