: a formal utterance of an authoritative opinion an opinion so pronounced
: a formal decision given by a court : an obligation (as a debt) created by the decree of a court : a certificate evidencing such a decree
: the process of forming an opinion or evaluation by discerning and comparing
: an opinion or estimate so formed : the capacity for judging : DISCERNMENT : the exercise of this capacity
6 : a proposition stating something believed or asserted
synonym see SENSE
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)
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
dis·cern·ment
: the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure
: skill in discerning
: an act of discerning