discernment

noun

dis·​cern·​ment di-ˈsərn-mənt 

-ˈzərn-

plural discernments

1

: the quality of being able to comprehend what is obscure : skill in discerning

He displayed a lack of discernment in selecting suitable job candidates.

2

: an act of perceiving or discerning something

the quick discernment of an opponent's weaknesses

Synonyms

• insight
• perception
• perceptiveness
• perceptivity
• sagaciousness
• sagacity
• sageness
• sapience
• wisdom

Choose the Right Synonym for discernment

discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind.

discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of people affected by the housing crisis

acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Examples of discernment in a Sentence

I wasn't sanguine about my powers of discernment, as I've failed similar exercises in the Central Park Ramble, where I practice bird-watching for dummies and am scarcely able to distinguish a rook from a duck. —Judith Thurman, New Yorker, 1 Dec., 2003

Varying widely in scope and theme, the 10 essays about the Bill of Rights in this collection often shine with insight and sparkling turns of phrase; some, however, betray lack of discernment. —Jonathan Kellerman et al., Publishers Weekly, 17 Apr. 2000

If one searched the archives to find an example of Spanish colonial policy at its worst, one would surely select Don Carlos Benites Franquis de Lugo, a vain, arrogant, opinionated fop who never displayed a shred of either courage or discernment but who did distinguish himself as one of the most inept and vengeful Spaniards ever to function overseas. —James A. Michener, Texas, 1985

His lack of discernment led to his disastrous choice of business partners.

the discernment to know when someone is a true friend

Recent Examples on the Web

Where Whitehead’s novel describes his characters’ physical torments in the third person, with psychological discernment and declarative precision, Ross’s movie fuses observation and sensation with its audiovisual style. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2024

Artistic emphasis dramatically shifts away from an object’s traditional role of delivering specific meaning and toward a viewer’s individualized discernment. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024

Bask in your creative talents and natural charisma, but be sure to channel this energy with discernment as Mars will eventually station retrograde in December. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

Sotheby’s, known for exclusivity and discernment, recently announced a significant long-term partnership with Chivas Brothers. —Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

discern + -ment, perhaps after Middle French discernement

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

discernment

noun

dis·​cern·​ment dis-ˈərn-mənt 

diz-

: the quality of being able to understand clearly