What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discerning
Example
She has a discerning eye for art and can spot a fake from a mile away. [discerning: adjective]
Example
The critic's discerning analysis of the film highlighted its strengths and weaknesses. [discerning: adjective]
perceptive
Example
He is a perceptive teacher who can tell when his students are struggling even if they don't say anything. [perceptive: adjective]
Example
The detective's perceptive observations helped him solve the case. [perceptive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Perceptive is more commonly used than discerning in everyday language. Perceptive is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while discerning is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between discerning and perceptive?
Discerning is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while perceptive is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
