1. The trait of judging wisely and objectively
   "a man of discernment";
   - discretion
    
2. The mental ability to understand and discriminate between relations
   "The art critic's discernment allowed him to spot forgeries easily";
   - sagacity, sagaciousness, judgment, judgement
    
3. The cognitive condition of someone who understands
   "he has virtually no discernment of social cause and effect";
   - understanding, apprehension, savvy
    
4. Delicate discrimination (especially of aesthetic values)
   "Her discernment in matters of fine art was widely respected";
   - taste, appreciation, perceptiveness
    
5. Perception of that which is obscure
   "Her discernment in choosing the right candidates for the job was remarkable";
   - perceptiveness

Derived forms: discernments

See also: tasteful, tasteless, tasty [US, informal]

Type of: discrimination, knowing, perception, sapience, secernment, wisdom, wiseness

Encyclopedia: Discernment