by discernment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by discernment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to making decisions or judgments based on insight or careful consideration. Example: "The committee reached its conclusion by discernment, weighing all the evidence presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When these options are accompanied by discernment, choices can be made reflecting a larger consideration of what is happening.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And by declaration of their wills, or by the discernment of their families, I had been called to claim or consider the bereft books for my university library.

The New York Times - Books

Conflicts between all these competing centres of power are umpired by the expediency discernment council, yet another clerical panel appointed by the supreme leader.

The Guardian

Rather than looking at the new releases, she can show true discernment by offering an old classic.

The Guardian - Sport

"The Joy of Love" is directly addressed to the laity, who are encouraged to pursue conscientious moral discernment by consulting not only pastors but one another.

The New Yorker

We practice discernment by studying our mind on the meditation cushion, really getting to know ourselves and from there we can clearly see what aspects of our habitual routine we want to keep and which are not so helpful to us.

Huffington Post

Poor discernment by physicians of their patients' subjective view of their medical condition has been demonstrated previously for health outcomes, such as health-related quality of life [ 7], treatment tolerability [ 8] or functional disability [ 9].

BMC Women's Health

The symbol itself is a reality; the representation of ordinary people doing things is propelled, by self-awareness and discernment, to the heights of imagination.

The New Yorker

The trouble is, Ms. Kidman plays Faunia Farley, a cleaner/farmhand who, we are asked to believe, is regarded by all people of discernment as romantically unthinkable white trash.

The New York Times

"Fashion can be bought by anybody; style takes discernment," he once said in discussing women's clothes, but it could as easily have applied to him.

The New York Times

I suppose, too, given the discernment shown by most Cardiffians – this is, after all, the city which gave us Dame Shirley Bassey – that the complaints from other shoppers do not centre upon flannel, silk and the odd cravat, but on somewhat less flattering, more synthetic, and, how shall we put this, clingy materials.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by discernment" when you want to emphasize that a decision or conclusion was reached through careful evaluation and insight, rather than by chance or arbitrary selection.

Common error

Avoid using "by discernment" in contexts where simpler terms like "by judgment" or "by decision" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by discernment" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, specifying the manner in which an action is performed or a decision is made. It indicates that something is done through careful judgment and insightful understanding. Ludwig AI identifies its use in various contexts, highlighting its role in conveying thoughtful decision-making.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

7%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by discernment" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that a decision or action is carried out through careful evaluation and insightful judgment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and can enhance writing by adding a touch of formality and sophistication. Though "by discernment" is not as frequent as simpler alternatives like "by decision" or "by judgment", it is best suited for academic, professional, and news contexts where thoughtful decision-making is emphasized. Common alternatives include "through insight" and "with careful consideration". When using the phrase "by discernment", ensure it fits the tone and context, avoiding overuse in simpler situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through insight

Emphasizes the role of intuition and understanding in the decision-making process, rather than just careful analysis.

using good judgment

Focuses on the quality of the judgment being applied, highlighting the user's ability to make sound decisions.

with careful consideration

Highlights the thoroughness and attention to detail involved in the decision-making process.

based on wise counsel

Implies that the discernment comes from seeking and heeding the advice of others, rather than relying solely on oneself.

via thoughtful analysis

Stresses the intellectual and analytical approach to reaching a decision.

by astute observation

Highlights the role of keen observation and perception in forming a judgment or decision.

through keen perception

Emphasizes the acuteness and clarity of understanding that informs the decision.

guided by intuition

Suggests a reliance on instinct and inner wisdom as the basis for decision-making.

according to understanding

Focuses on the level of comprehension and knowledge that informs the action or decision.

with perspicacity

Highlights the sharpness and clarity of insight used in making a decision.

FAQs

How can I use "by discernment" in a sentence?

You can use "by discernment" to describe how a decision was made, emphasizing the role of careful consideration and insight. For example, "The committee reached its conclusion "by discernment", weighing all the evidence presented."

What's a simpler way to say "by discernment"?

Alternatives to "by discernment" include "through insight", "using good judgment", or "with careful consideration". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "by discernment" formal or informal?

"By discernment" tends to be more formal than simpler alternatives. It's suitable for academic, professional, or serious contexts where careful and thoughtful decision-making is being emphasized.

When is it appropriate to use "by discernment"?

It's appropriate to use "by discernment" when you want to highlight that a decision was reached through a process of careful evaluation, keen insight, and thoughtful consideration, rather than through chance or arbitrary selection. It's best suited for formal or serious contexts.