discerning

adjective

dis·​cern·​ing di-ˈsər-niŋ How to pronounce discerning (audio)
: showing insight and understanding : discriminating
a discerning critic
discerningly adverb

Examples of discerning in a Sentence

Why should a discerning writer concern himself with such movies as Troy, Alexander, or 300? The answer is that he is uniquely qualified to transmute such trash into illuminating visions of the culturally confused age in which we live. G. W. Bowersock, New York Review of Books, 6 Nov. 2008
Many of FreshDirect's customers say they are using the service because food shopping in Manhattan can be agonizing. But the question is whether discerning food shoppers will trust it. Florence Fabricant, New York Times, 6 Nov. 2002
Who reads short stories? one is asked, and I like to think that they are read by men and women in the dentist's office, waiting to be called to the chair; they are read on transcontinental plane trips … they are read by discerning and well-informed men and women who seem to feel that narrative fiction can contribute to our understanding of one another and the sometimes bewildering world around us. John Cheever, The Story and Its Writer, 1987
She has a discerning eye for good art. a discerning critic of modern art
Recent Examples on the Web The famed Ocean Club, which opened in 1962, has long been a go-to destination for the most discerning jetsetters thanks to its wealthy founder Huntington Hartford II, who invited his Hollywood friends and European royalty to the property. Emma Reynolds, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 This makes immediate verification tougher for even the most discerning viewers. Jonathan Freger, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 But more discerning adventurers now have the option to stay at Sheldon Chalet, a two-story, 2,000-square-foot guesthouse located just 500 feet away. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2024 There are other exclusive services for the most discerning guests. Matt Keenan, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2024 The Turkish shipyard just unveiled a new luxury yacht that was custom-built for a discerning Australian client. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 2023 Studies on consumers have found that people are more discerning, skeptical and analytical at their peak times. Cindi May, Discover Magazine, 10 Nov. 2023 With over 375 stores, including iconic brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, The Galleria caters to the most discerning tastes. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 3 Oct. 2023 Celebrities notoriously endorse all kinds of things—and depending on who, and what their financial situation is, some are more discerning than others. Lucy Brewster, Fortune, 8 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'discerning.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of discern

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of discerning was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near discerning

Cite this Entry

“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discerning. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

discerning

adjective
dis·​cern·​ing
: seeing and understanding clearly and intelligently
a discerning critic
discerningly adverb

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