discerning house

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discerning house" is not a standard expression in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a context where you are describing a house that is characterized by discernment or good judgment, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "The discerning house was filled with art and decor that reflected the owner's refined taste."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their motto (and name of their new compilation), We Make Colourful Music Because We Dance In The Dark, speaks to clubbers who want dank back rooms and discerning house music instead of pill-boshing bass drops on their nights out.

The Guardian - Music

It also features the kind of line-up to generate heart-throbbing party moments, with some of the most discerning house and disco selectors around: Prosumer, Bicep, Horse Meat Disco … Just thinking about it is making us want to shoot confetti in the air and spill our drink hugging a stranger.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This guy is pretty laidback, releasing only one record a year on average, but when his tracks do emerge – whether signed to discerning deep house label Galdoors, his own white-label series or the impeccable Hessle Audio – they're always a cause for excitement.

The Guardian - Music

Better call them "discerning" — 4,000 discerning opera fans in the house.

The New York Times - Magazine

And Justice Scalia, who concurred that dogs can sniff cars during a traffic stop, argued that this was a very different matter: in this case the police went right up to the "curtilage" of the house, "and used a means of discerning what was in the house...that should not have been available".

The Economist

Even with a toddler and newborn in tow, the Weisfelds, who live on the Upper West Side and own a weekend house in Rhinebeck, N.Y., remain discerning diners.

The New York Times - Travel

In 1917 they founded their own publishing house, the Hogarth Press, and their discerning understanding encouraged such writers as T.S. Eliot and E.M. Forster.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The house is also a paean to Miss Duke's discerning eye and feeling for Hawaii, with Diamond Head always in view and the ocean a constant presence.

The New York Times - Travel

One of their first commissions, a house for the Union Stockyards magnate John B. Sherman in 1874, caught the discerning eye of their contemporary and rival Louis Sullivan, who recalled its fine lines and proportions in his autobiography.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After tying myself in convoluted knots and stumbling through dead ends and corridors leading back into corridors, which in turn lead face-first into dead ends, I eventually started to discern the strains of house music.

Vice

If you are as discerning a reader of profiles as I, however, you can be put up in houses that, were they hotels, would receive five stars.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a home, use "discerning" to indicate a high level of taste and refinement in its design or the preferences of its inhabitants.

Common error

Avoid using "discerning house" in overly casual settings. It is more appropriate for describing properties with a noticeable level of sophistication or unique character. Instead of "discerning house" consider if something like "stylish home" or "unique place" would work better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discerning house" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "house". It implies that the house is designed or appreciated by someone with refined tastes or good judgment. Ludwig's analysis suggests that while grammatically correct, the phrase isn't frequently used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "discerning house" describes a residence characterized by high taste and refinement. While grammatically correct, it's not a common expression, as Ludwig highlights. It's best used in neutral contexts to describe properties appealing to sophisticated individuals. Alternatives like "tasteful residence" or "elegant home" may be more common. Remember that, while some sources employ the expression "discerning house", it can be misconstrued or overly formal in many situations. It's essential to think of the audience and the context while using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tasteful residence

Replaces "discerning" with "tasteful", emphasizing aesthetic quality.

elegant home

Focuses on the elegance and sophistication of the house.

refined household

Highlights the sophistication and good taste of the people living in the house.

sophisticated dwelling

Emphasizes the advanced and cultured nature of the home.

discriminating homeowners

Shifts focus to the homeowners and their selective taste.

house with impeccable taste

Explicitly states the high standard of taste associated with the house.

carefully curated house

Highlights the deliberate and thoughtful selection of items within the house.

house of refined sensibilities

Focuses on the delicate and cultured nature of the house's atmosphere.

judicious home

Uses "judicious" instead of "discerning", emphasizing careful decision-making in its design or upkeep.

house reflecting good judgment

Emphasizes that the house demonstrates the owner's good decision-making.

FAQs

What does "discerning" mean in the context of describing a house?

When used to describe a house, "discerning" suggests that the house is designed or decorated with a high level of taste, refinement, and attention to detail. It implies that the house appeals to someone with cultivated tastes.

What are some alternatives to saying "discerning house"?

You can use alternatives like "tasteful residence", "elegant home", or "refined household" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "discerning house" a common phrase in English?

While grammatically correct, "discerning house" is not a very common phrase. It is more common to describe the residents as discerning or to say the house shows discerning taste.

How can I use "discerning" correctly in a sentence about a house?

Instead of "discerning house", you might say "The house is designed with "discerning taste"" or "The "discerning owner" has created a beautiful home."