Having or showing good judgment and the ability to distinguish between different options or qualities. Characterized by careful evaluation and refined taste or perception.
From Latin 'discernere' meaning 'to separate, distinguish,' from 'dis-' (apart) + 'cernere' (to sift, separate). The sense of 'good judgment' developed from the basic ability to separate good from bad, valuable from worthless.
A discerning person literally 'separates' quality from mediocrity - the word captures the mental process of sorting through options to find the best. Wine critics, art collectors, and food connoisseurs are professional discerners, paid for their ability to make fine distinctions!
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