[dis.cern.ment] n (1586) 1: the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure: skill in discerning
2: an act of discerning syn discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind. discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art) "the discernment to know true friends". discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent "the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music". perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling) "a novelist of keen perception into human motives". penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial "lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles". insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy "a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless". acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment "a director of reliable box-office acumen".