discernment

American  

[dih-surn-muhnt, -zurn-] / dɪˈsɜrn mənt, -ˈzɜrn- /

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.

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discernment British  

/ dɪˈsɜːnmənt /

noun

1. keen perception or judgment

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Usage

What does discernment mean? Discernment is the ability to recognize small details, accurately tell the difference between similar things, and make intelligent judgements by using such observations.It’s a noun form of the verb discern, which means to recognize, distinguish, or make judgments in this way, as in These two scents may smell identical to the average person, but an experienced perfumer can discern the difference between them.Things that can be identified or distinguished in such a way can be described as discernible. The adjective discerning can be used to describe someone who shows discernment or to describe such an ability, as in Most chefs have a very discerning palate. A close synonym is discriminating. The noun discrimination can be used to mean the same thing as discernment (though it’s more commonly used to refer to the practice of prejudicial treatment, which is not one of the senses of discernment).Example: Only through careful discernment can you tell a genuine artifact from the work of a counterfeiter.

Other Word Forms

• nondiscernment noun
• prediscernment noun
• self-discernment noun

Etymology

Origin of discernment

First recorded in 1580–90; from Middle French discernement, equivalent to discern(er) “to separate” ( discern ) + -ment -ment

Example Sentences

Veteran technology executives made the case that the role of human discernment will take on greater importance, particularly as companies roll out more AI throughout their operations.

From The Wall Street Journal

For all his acknowledged literary discernment, it is Cowley’s political credulity that has marked his reputation.

From The Wall Street Journal

The speed at which the 24-hour news cycle mills through the profound and the miscellaneous with little meaningful discernment has pushed young people to look for the truth elsewhere.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It’s questions about priorities, discernment, judgment and understanding of what is most important to the audience,” Weiss said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The way to do this is by cultivating discernment through patient observation.

From Los Angeles Times