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
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
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
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
The team’s been focused on outreach to convey a central message: Human involvement, and discernment, matters.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discernment 
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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
The team’s been focused on outreach to convey a central message: Human involvement, and discernment, matters.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discernment
Dictionary Entries Near discernment
Cite this Entry
“Discernment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discernment. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
discernment
noun
dis·cern·ment
dis-ˈərn-mənt
diz-
: the quality of being able to understand clearly
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