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

Related Words

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