discernment

[dih-surn-muhnt, -zurn-]

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.

discernment

/ dɪˈsɜːnmənt /

noun

1. keen perception or judgment

Other Word Forms

• nondiscernment noun
• prediscernment noun
• self-discernment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of discernment¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

Artistic discernment is called for when deciding among works as good as these.

From Los Angeles Times

The new pope also raised concerns about artificial intelligence, telling the assembled media they should use AI with "responsibility and discernment."

From BBC

I found particular inspiration in the Synod on Synodality, his bold invitation for the global church to embrace deeper listening, shared discernment and collective journeying.

From Los Angeles Times

I dedicated time, energy and discernment and, in turn, was rewarded by a cosmic force smiling down on me with grace.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

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.