Langimage
English

discerning

|dis-cern-ing|

B2

🇺🇸

/dɪˈsɜrnɪŋ/

🇬🇧

/dɪˈsɜːnɪŋ/

(discern)

recognize differences

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounAdjectiveAdjectiveAdverb
discerndiscernsdiscerneddiscerneddiscerningdiscernmentdiscerningdiscerniblediscernibly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'discerning' originates from the Latin word 'discernere,' where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'cernere' meant 'to separate or distinguish.'

Historical Evolution

'discernere' transformed into the Old French word 'discernir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'discern' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to separate or distinguish,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having good judgment.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

having or showing good judgment or understanding.

She is a discerning art collector.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41