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discerningly

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /dɪˈsɜːrnɪŋli/

KK: /dɪˈsɜrnɪŋli/

adverb
Definition

In a way that shows good judgment or insight, especially in understanding or appreciating things.


Example

She chose her friends discerningly, always looking for those who shared her values.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you noticed how she chooses her clothes so discerningly?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's like she has an eye for exactly what works for her.
Sloth A
I wish I could dress that way; I just grab whatever is on top.
Sloth B
You just need to look at your options more discerningly!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
judiciously
perceptively
insightfully
Antonyms
indiscriminately
carelessly
ignorantly
Root Explanation

Discerningly → It is formed from "discerning" (from Latin "discernere", meaning to separate or distinguish) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "discerningly" means in a manner that shows good judgment or insight, particularly in distinguishing between different things.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is able to 'distinguish' ('discernere') things clearly and acts 'in a manner' ('-ly') that reflects good judgment.

Visually Confused Words
undiscerningly
undiscerning
dissentingly
dispensingly
descendingly
scorningly
dishearteningly
undiscernibly
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