проницательность
pronitsatel'nost'
The English word 'discernment' is translated into Russian as проницательность (pronitsatel'nost').
проницательность is used to describe mental acuity or the ability to see through deceptions or complex situations. It refers to the ability to make wise judgements. Sagacity.
Meaning: the ability to make wise judgements, sagacity (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun проницательность is derived from the adjective проницательный (penetrating), which comes from the verb проникать (to penetrate/to go through).
Which one should you use?
Различение is a formal term that translates to 'discernment'.
How do you pronounce it?
pronitsatel'nost'
Did you know?
- While проницательность refers to mental discernment, Russian uses a different word, разборчивость, when talking about being 'discerning' or picky about food, clothes and partners.
- The root verb проникать used in проницательность describes not just mental insight, but also the physical movement of water soaking into fabric or a cold breeze entering a room.
- While 'discernment' in English can be quite gentle, the Russian adjective проницательный can also describe a person's gaze or eyes as being 'piercing'.
Examples in context
- У него высокая острота ума, поэтому он всегда замечает даже малейшие детали.He has a high level of discernment, so he always notices even the slightest details.
- Его проницательность позволила ему раскрыть тайну.His discernment allowed him to uncover the secret.
- Его проницательность поражает всех коллег.Yego pronitsatel'nost' porazhayet vsekh kolleg.His discernment amazes all his colleagues.
- Для этой работы нужна большая проницательность.Dlya etoy raboty nuzhna bol'shaya pronitsatel'nost'.Great discernment is needed for this job.
- Она обладает удивительной проницательностью.Ona obladayet udivitel'noy pronitsatel'nost'yu.She possesses amazing discernment.
Example conversation
Dmitry and Maria are discussing a new detective novel.
- Мария MariaГлавный герой очень проницательный человек.Glavnyy gero y ochen' pronitsatel'nyy chelovek.The main character is a very discerning person.
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, его проницательность помогает ему разгадать тайну.Da, yego pronitsatel'nost' pomogayet yemu razgadat' taynu.Yes, his discernment helps him solve the mystery.
- Мария MariaДмитрий, ты тоже это заметил?Dmitriy, ty tozhe eto zametil?Dmitry, did you notice that too?
- Дмитрий DmitryКонечно, Мария, это очевидно.Konechno, Mariya, eto ochevidno.Of course, Maria, it is obvious.
