discernment

[ dih-surn-muhnt, -zurn- ]

/ dɪˈsɜrn mənt, -ˈzɜrn- /

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noun

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

the act or an instance of discerning.

Nearby words

discase, discectomy, discern, discernible, discerning, discernment, discerptible, discharge, discharge lamp, discharge printing, discharge tube

Origin of discernment

1580–90; < Middle French discernement, equivalent to discern(er) to discern + -ment -ment

SYNONYMS FOR discernment

1 judgment, perspicacity, penetration, insight.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR discernment ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

non·dis·cern·ment, nounpre·dis·cern·ment, nounself-dis·cern·ment, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for discernment

But his essays show a man struggling to figure out the complexities of discernment and judgment.
David Foster Wallace, Traditionalist? Considering ‘Both Flesh and Not: Essays’|David Masciotra|November 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST
His patience, discernment, and intelligence are much admired.
Many 2008 Conservative Obama Backers, or ObamaCons, Will Stay True|John Avlon|September 4, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The old man was greatly pleased at this piece of discernment and observation.
An Engagement of Convenience|Louis Zangwill
As we have said, our true interest is often most difficult of discernment.
Lectures on the true, the beautiful and the good|Victor Cousin

And when persons of discernment find fault, we must desire them to consider the end of all our labour.
Proofs of a Conspiracy against all the Religions and Governments of Europe|John Robison
This discernment is what is called conscience, or sometimes the moral sense.
Elements of Morals|Paul Janet
"You are a man of discernment, Binet," said Scaramouche, the cold loathing of his voice itself an insult.
Scaramouche|Rafael Sabatini

British Dictionary definitions for discernment

discernment

/ (dɪˈsɜːnmənt) /

noun

keen perception or judgment

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012