Word
discernment
Phoneticsdis·cern·ment, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈsɝnmənt/
UK/dɪsˈɜːnmənt/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the ability to judge well or to notice small details that others might miss. It is often used to describe someone who is very careful and wise when making choices.
n. the faculty of clear and perceptive judgment; the ability to perceive or recognize something clearly. Often implies a level of sophistication or wisdom in decision-making.
Examples
“She showed great discernment in choosing the right career path.”
“The critic's discernment allows him to spot subtle differences in the quality of various wines.”
“In an era of overwhelming information, the ability to exercise discernment regarding which sources are credible has become a vital skill for every citizen.”
Examples
simple
“She showed great discernment in choosing the right career path.”
contextual
“The critic's discernment allows him to spot subtle differences in the quality of various wines.”
complex
“In an era of overwhelming information, the ability to exercise discernment regarding which sources are credible has become a vital skill for every citizen.”
Real-World Examples
“Dialogue requires humility and discernment, the Note emphasizes, describing it as an 'authentic evangelical path' rather than a renunciation of identity.” Etymology
From Middle French discernement, equivalent to discern + -ment.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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