1. having or revealing keen insight and good judgment (Freq. 1) - a discerning critic - a discerning reader • Ant: undiscerning • Similar to: clear, percipient, clear-eyed, clear-sighted, perspicacious, prescient • See Also: critical, discriminating 2. unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic - a discerning editor - a discreet silence • Syn: discreet • Similar to: tactful • Derivationally related forms: discreetness (for: discreet) 3. quick to understand - "a kind and apprehensive friend"- Nathaniel Hawthorne • Syn: apprehensive • Similar to: perceptive • Derivationally related forms: apprehend (for: apprehensive) 4. able to make or detect effects of great subtlety; sensitive - discerning taste - a discerning eye for color • Similar to: discriminating
