Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - discernment

 noun  Date: 1586  1. the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure ; skill in discerning  2. an act of discerning Synonyms:  ~, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind. ~ stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art) the ~ to know true friends. discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music. perception implies quick and often sympathetic ~ (as of shades of feeling) a novelist of keen perception into human motives. penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles. insight suggests depth of ~ coupled with understanding sympathy a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless. acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment a director of reliable box-office acumen.