Discerning
mediumPositive tonedih-SURN-ing
adjective
Definition
Having or showing good judgment or understanding
Memory hook
DIS-CERN-ing: able to SEPARATE the good from the bad - a refined judge of quality.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The discerning critic praised only the finest performances.”
“She has a discerning eye for quality in art.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ critic praised only the finest performances.”
Show answer
discerning
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Discerning is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "perceptive" or "astute" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "undiscriminating".
Related GRE Words
sagacious
Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; wise
acute
Having or showing a perceptive understanding or insight; sharp or severe
discreet
Careful and prudent in speech or action; not drawing attention
perceptive
Having or showing sensitive insight
prudent
Acting with or showing care and thought for the future
shrewd
Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute
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