How to pronounce discernment
Say it like dih-SURN-munt. Discernment has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SURN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce discernment. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- SURN
- munt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Discernment 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.
- SURNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- muntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of discernment
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: dih-SURN-munt.
What does discernment mean?
- The act of distinguishing between things.
- The ability to distinguish between things.
- The ability to perceive differences that exist.
Where does discernment come from?
From Middle French discernement, equivalent to discern + -ment.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with discernment
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of discernment.
Questions about saying discernment
How do you pronounce discernment?
Say dih-SURN-munt. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈsɝnmənt/. In British English it is /dɪˈsɜːnmənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in discernment?
Discernment has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SURN). Broken into parts: dih · SURN · munt.
Is discernment 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 /dɪˈsɜːnmənt/ (dih-SURN-munt).