Discernment
The ability to judge well; keen insight used to recognize distinctions, truth, or quality in people, information, or situations.
nounDiscernment
The ability to judge well; keen insight used to recognize distinctions, truth, or quality in people, information, or situations.
nounImagine This
Imagine a seasoned editor who can instantly tell which quotes are credible and which are unreliable, even when a stack of sources is confusing. Their sharp discernment lets them separate fact from fiction with calm certainty.
Sounds Like
dih-SURN-ment
Looks Like
discern + ment; resembles the base verb discern
Remember This
Discernment emphasizes distinguishing meaningful differences, not just understanding generally. It grows with experience, critical thinking, and careful observation.
Other Forms
Connect With
perception, judgment, discrimination, insight, acumen, sagacity, prudence
Note
Note: Do not confuse discernment with discretion (prudence or tact) or with discrimination (unfair treatment).
Study Deeper
- Her discernment helped her choose reliable sources during research.
- The detective's discernment allowed him to notice inconsistencies that others overlooked.
From Latin discernere, dis- 'apart' + cernere 'to separate, distinguish'.
DIS-CERN: Distinguish, Inspect, Scrutinize, Compare, Evaluate, Recognize, Notice.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Dazzle
verbTo blind or temporarily stun someone with brilliant light; to impress or amaze greatly with brilliance or skill.
Archaic
adjectiveBelonging to an earlier time; very old-fashioned or outdated; no longer in general use.
Deference
nounThe act of submitting to the opinions or wishes of another; respectful yielding.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
Acronym
nounA word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, pronounced as a single word and used as a shorthand for the full name (for example, NASA or radar).