Discernment — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /di-ˈsərn-mənt/ dis·cern·ment

Meaning & Definition of Discernment

Discernment (noun)

  1. the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure, skill in discerning
  2. an act of perceiving or discerning something

Discernment (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the ability to understand inner qualities or relationships

    "the discernment to know when someone is a true friend"

    similar: insight, perception, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sapience, wisdom
    related: acuity, acumen, astuteness, clear-sightedness, keenness, penetration, percipience, perspicacity, sensitivity, understanding, appreciation, apprehension, comprehension, grasp, brain(s), braininess, brightness, brilliance, canniness, cleverness, gray matter, intellect, intelligence, judgment, mentality, power, reason, sense, smartness, wit, discrimination, foresight, foresightedness, judiciousness, prudence, sanity, logic, rationality
    near: density, dullness, obtuseness, brainlessness, folly, foolishness, idiocy, imbecility, mindlessness, silliness, simplemindedness, simpleness, stupidity, witlessness, illogic, irrationality, unreasonableness, unsoundness, craziness, insanity, lunacy, madness, preposterousness, senselessness, zaniness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Discernment

The most common words with a similar meaning to Discernment:

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

Related Words for Discernment

acuity, acumen, astuteness, clear-sightedness, keenness, penetration, percipience, perspicacity, sensitivity, understanding, appreciation, apprehension, comprehension, grasp, brain(s), braininess, brightness, brilliance, canniness, cleverness, gray matter, intellect, intelligence, judgment, mentality, power, reason, sense, smartness, wit

Near Antonyms of Discernment

density, dullness, obtuseness, brainlessness, folly, foolishness, idiocy, imbecility, mindlessness, silliness, simplemindedness, simpleness, stupidity, witlessness, illogic, irrationality, unreasonableness, unsoundness, craziness, insanity, lunacy, madness, preposterousness, senselessness, zaniness

Word Forms of Discernment

Inflections: discernments

Origin & Etymology of Discernment

discern + -ment, perhaps after Middle French discernement

First known use: 1570

Frequently Asked Questions about Discernment

What does "Discernment" mean?

"Discernment" means the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure, skill in discerning. As a noun, it is defined as: the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure, skill in discerning.

What is another word for "Discernment"?

Other words for "Discernment" include insight, perception, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness and sapience. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Discernment" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Discernment"?

There are 47 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Discernment". Common alternatives include insight, perception, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sapience and wisdom.

How do you use "Discernment" in a sentence?

Examples of "Discernment" in a sentence: "the discernment to know when someone is a true friend".

Is "Discernment" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Discernment" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Discernment"?

"Discernment" is pronounced /di-ˈsərn-mənt/ and divided into syllables as dis·cern·ment.

What is the origin of the word "Discernment"?

"Discernment" comes from discern + -ment, perhaps after Middle French discernement. First known use: 1570.

What is another word for "Discernment" meaning "the ability to understand inner qualities or relationships"?

When "Discernment" (noun) means the ability to understand inner qualities or relationships, synonyms include insight, perception, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness and sagacity.