discern
verb (used with object)
to perceive by the sight or some other sense or by the intellect; see, recognize, or apprehend.
was discerning
-
past progressiveof discern.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
He was discerning, he knew what made a show good and when it needed work, but he was never quick to criticize, instead choosing to focus on the positive.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2020
I recently spoke to a young woman who was discerning to be a Catholic sister, but changed her mind before she took perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
From Time ● Aug. 31, 2014
On the other hand, the Secretary was discerning, discreet, and silent, though as zealous as if the affairs had been his own.
From Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
Marius thought he was discerning and of a sensitive honor.
From A Hero and Some Other Folks by William A. (William Alfred) Quayle
He was discerning in his friendships, somewhat aggressive and splenetic to his equals; intolerant of cats, whom he hunted like vermin, and rather disdainfully condescending to the small dogs of Milnthorpe.
From Esther : a book for girls by Rosa Nouchette Carey
