discernment
noun
Synonyms
- insight
- perception
- perceptiveness
- perceptivity
- sagaciousness
- sagacity
- sageness
- sapience
- wisdom
Example Sentences
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 Meghan Rose, Glamour, 11 Aug. 2022 Yet Streep hasn’t received credit for this dumbing-down of spectator discernment. Armond White, National Review, 6 July 2022 On the other side are Christian schools that crack down on doctrine, making faculty and staff sign narrow statements of faith that don’t leave room for individual discernment. Emma Green, The New Yorker, 30 June 2022 Remember not to approach life with paranoia; discernment is not meant to be a scary thing. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2022 Remember not to approach life with paranoia, discernment is not meant to be a scary thing. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2022 Selling is about effective discernment and time management. John Hayes, Forbes, 29 June 2022 After five months of discernment, Pope Francis accepted the request. Haleigh Kochanski, The Arizona Republic, 10 June 2022 Antonoff applies this sort of discernment to everything Bleachers-related: the group’s album-cover typeface, its Instagram color palette, its between-songs banter. Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 16 May 2022 See More Word History
discern + -ment, perhaps after Middle French discernement
1570, in the meaning defined at sense 2
discernment
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- insight
- intellect
- sensitivity
- wisdom
- sagacity
- perceptivity
- perception
- perceptiveness
- understanding
- sapience
- intelligence
- sense
- acumen
- astuteness
- comprehension
- perspicacity
- acuity
- sagaciousness
- brilliance
- wit
- prudence
- judgment
- appreciation
- power
- penetration
- keenness
- clear-sightedness
- apprehension
- sageness
- judgement
- grasp
- sanity
- foresight
- brightness
- mentality
- percipience
- rationality
- reason
- discrimination
- smartness
- judiciousness
- cleverness
- logic
- gray matter
- canniness
- braininess
- foresightedness
- brain(s)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- dulness
- foolishness
- obtuseness
- density
- folly
- dullness
- idiocy
- stupidity
- imbecility
- mindlessness
- silliness
- irrationality
- unsoundness
- unreasonableness
- simplemindedness
- insanity
- illogic
- madness
- craziness
- witlessness
- lunacy
- simpleness
- brainlessness
- senselessness
- zaniness
- preposterousness
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of discernment are acumen, discrimination, insight, penetration, and perception. While all these words 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).
While in some cases nearly identical to discernment, acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.
The words discrimination and discernment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.
The words insight and discernment can be used in similar contexts, but insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.
The meanings of penetration and discernment largely overlap; however, penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.
While the synonyms perception and discernment are close in meaning, perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).