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Definition of discerning

discerning

/dɪˈsɝːnɪŋ/
dis · cern · ing
Adverb:discerningly
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discerning Lexical Profile

discerning Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having or showing good judgment, keen insight, and refined taste, especially in evaluating quality or character.

Example

"The art gallery caters to discerning collectors who appreciate rare nineteenth-century landscapes."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for discerning

• Nearby Words

discern
discernible
discernibly
discerning
discerningly
discernment
discharge

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the present participle of the verb 'discern', which entered English via Old French from the Latin 'discernere' ('to separate or distinguish'), formed from 'dis-' ('apart') and 'cernere' ('to sift or perceive').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Discerning. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/discerning
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