Discernment (Noun)
Meaning 1
The mental ability to understand and discriminate between relations.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- Her years of studying literature had given her remarkable discernment in understanding the nuances of the human experience.
- With age, she had developed a sharp discernment of the intricacies of relationships within the organization.
- To resolve conflicts, mediators often need a deep discernment of power dynamics between individuals or groups.
- Having been exposed to a diverse range of people throughout his travels, he developed the discernment necessary to adapt seamlessly into different cultures.
- Teachers at this esteemed academy sought students who displayed high discernment and aptitude in multiple areas of knowledge.
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Meaning 2
The cognitive condition of someone who understands; "he has virtually no understanding of social cause and effect".
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The politician's lack of discernment regarding the economic implications of her policies was evident in her speech.
- Her discernment of human behavior allowed her to navigate complex social situations with ease.
- The professor's discernment of the nuances of the novel was impressive, and his students benefited greatly from his insights.
- The child's limited discernment of the consequences of his actions often led to trouble.
- The detective's exceptional discernment of human psychology helped him solve the case quickly.
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Meaning 3
Delicate discrimination (especially of aesthetic values); "arrogance and lack of taste contributed to his rapid success"; "to ask at that particular time was the ultimate in bad taste".
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- Her keen discernment in art and literature set her apart from her contemporaries, who often praised shallow and uninspired works.
- The restaurant's décor reflected the owner's poor discernment, with gaudy decorations and mismatched furniture that detracted from the dining experience.
- Lack of discernment in music often led people to praise flashy, attention-grabbing artists over more subtle and talented musicians.
- After years of traveling the world, she had developed a discernment for quality craftsmanship that made her an excellent antique collector.
- His lack of discernment in matters of etiquette made him a liability in formal social situations, where he often inadvertently offended his hosts.
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Meaning 4
Perception of that which is obscure.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The detective's exceptional discernment allowed her to pick up on subtle clues that others had missed, leading her to crack the case.
- The art historian's discernment was renowned for its ability to distinguish between authentic and forged masterpieces.
- The doctor's discernment was crucial in diagnosing the rare disease, as the symptoms were easily mistaken for a more common condition.
- The cryptologist's discernment was put to the test as she attempted to decipher the encrypted message.
- The literary critic's discernment was evident in her ability to uncover the underlying themes and symbolism in the novel.
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Meaning 5
The trait of judging wisely and objectively; "a man of discernment".
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- The art critic's discernment was renowned, as she was able to identify the subtleties of technique that set one painter apart from another.
- With years of experience, the seasoned investor had developed the discernment to spot lucrative opportunities amidst market fluctuations.
- The restaurant's sommelier was known for her discernment, pairing wines with dishes in a way that elevated the entire dining experience.
- The historian's discernment was evident in her nuanced analysis of the ancient texts, as she skillfully separated fact from myth.
- The judge's discernment was tested in the high-profile case, as she carefully weighed the evidence to render a fair verdict.