Discerning
/dɪˈsɜrnɪŋ/
adjectiveB2present participle (used as adjective)
Definition
Discerning means having the ability to see or understand things clearly and carefully. A discerning person can notice small differences or important details that others might miss. This skill helps them make smart decisions or recognize quality.
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See It in Action
Able to notice and understand small or important details
- •She has a discerning eye for art and can tell real paintings from fakes.
- •A discerning customer will choose only the best products.
- •The critic gave a discerning review of the movie, pointing out subtle details.
Showing good judgment or taste
- •He is a discerning reader who prefers classic literature.
- •Discerning people often avoid trends and choose what truly suits them.
- •The restaurant is popular with discerning diners who appreciate fine food.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "discerning" like "seeing" (A1 word), but not just with eyes—also with your mind, noticing small important things
- ✓Picture a person tasting different foods and knowing which one is the best because they notice flavors others don’t
- ✓It's the feeling when you realize something special that others don't see, like a hidden meaning in a story
- ✓Sounds like "this-CERN-ing" → imagine a scientist at CERN looking carefully at tiny particles to discover secrets
- ✓Think of Sherlock Holmes, who notices small clues others miss, showing a very discerning mind
- ✓NOT like "guessing" (random or without much thought)—discerning means careful and thoughtful observation
- ✓NOT like "blind" or "careless"—discerning means paying close attention and understanding deeply
Try Other Words
- •Perceptive: able to notice or understand things quickly and accurately (Use when focusing on quick understanding)
- •Judicious: showing good judgment or sense (Use when emphasizing wise decision-making)
- •Selective: careful in choosing only the best or most suitable (Use when focusing on choice and preference)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "dis-" (apart, away) + "cern" (to separate, distinguish) + "-ing" (present participle suffix)
- •Etymology: From Latin "discernere," meaning to separate or distinguish between things
- •Historical development: Used since the 1500s to describe the ability to tell things apart or judge carefully
- •Modern usage: Often used to describe people who notice quality or make wise choices in many areas like art, food, or ideas
Reflect & Connect
•How can being discerning help you in everyday decisions, like buying clothes or choosing friends?
•Can someone become more discerning with practice, or is it something people are born with?
Fill in the blanks
1.A discerning person can ___ small differences that others might miss in a painting.
2.She made a discerning choice by ___ the quality instead of the price.
3.Unlike a careless buyer, a discerning shopper looks ___ before deciding.
4.He is known for his discerning taste, especially when ___ new books.
5.Discerning critics often ___ subtle details that less careful viewers ignore.
6.When you are discerning, you do not simply ___ what everyone else does.
7.A discerning decision usually comes after careful ___ and thought.