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

Most timidities have such secret compensations, and Miss Bart was discerning enough to know that the inner vanity is generally in proportion to the outer self-depreciation.

From House of Mirth by Wharton, Edith

For all of this apparent restoration of good feeling, Frank was discerning enough to detect the insincerity of both Snell and Gage.

From Frank Merriwell's Chums by Standish, Burt L.

Did it really contain such an extent of arguments and application, that nobody but I was discerning enough to see?

From Caleb Williams Or Things as They Are by Godwin, William