What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discernment
Example
His discernment in business matters made him a successful entrepreneur. [discernment: noun]
Example
She showed great discernment in choosing the right candidate for the job. [discernment: noun]
decernment
Example
The judge's decernment was based on the evidence presented in court. [decernment: noun]
Example
The court decerned in favor of the plaintiff, awarding them damages. [decerned: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Discernment is more common than decernment in everyday language and is used in various contexts, including personal, professional, and spiritual. Decernment, on the other hand, is primarily used in legal contexts and is less common in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discernment and decernment?
Decernment is a formal word that is typically used in legal contexts, while discernment can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation.
