discerning
Americanadjective
adjective
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
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.
“The Kappe residence will resonate with discerning buyers who value architectural provenance, impeccable design and cultural importance — a rare opportunity to own an enduring piece of architectural history,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times
Investors, though, have grown more discerning in recent months in choosing what stocks to buy even among those companies.
If it seems like Turner hasn’t been in a ton of projects since “Game of Thrones,” it’s because she’s been purposefully discerning.
From Los Angeles Times
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.
Richardson says she’s always been open but discerning when it comes to her career.
From Los Angeles Times
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.
