# discerning

/dɪˈsɝnɪŋ/ (US) · /dɪsˈɜːnɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/discerning
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

having or showing good judgment about the quality of things. You use this to describe someone who can tell the difference between what is excellent and what is just okay.

For teachers: demonstrating keen insight and good judgment, particularly regarding the quality or aesthetic value of something. Often used to describe consumers, critics, or tastes.

## Examples

- The shop attracts discerning customers who want high quality.
- A discerning traveler always looks for authentic local experiences rather than staying in generic international hotels.
- The gallery's success is largely due to its discerning curator, whose ability to identify emerging talent before it reaches the mainstream has built a formidable reputation.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun like 'eye', 'taste', or 'customer'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.