How to pronounce discerning
Say it like dih-SUR-ning. Discerning has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce discerning. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- SUR
- ning
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Discerning pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- ningKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of discerning
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: dih-SUR-ning.
What does discerning mean?
- present participle and gerund of discern How to pronounce discern
- Of keen insight or selective judgment; perceptive.“The discerning customer will appreciate our new range of quality clothing.”
- discernment
Words that rhyme with discerning
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of discerning.
Questions about saying discerning
How do you pronounce discerning?
Say dih-SUR-ning. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈsɝnɪŋ/. In British English it is /dɪˈsɜːnɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in discerning?
Discerning has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR). Broken into parts: dih · SUR · ning.
Is discerning pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /dɪˈsɜːnɪŋ/ (dih-SUR-ning).