different between discerning vs pungent

English

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /d??s??n.i?/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /d??s?n.i?/

Verb

discerning

1. present participle of discern

Adjective

discerning (comparative more discerning, superlative most discerning)

1. Of keen insight or good judgement; perceptive.

Related terms

• discern

Translations

Noun

discerning (plural discernings)

1. discernment
   • 1605, William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of King Lear, I. iv. 224:

     Either his notion weakens, his discernings / Are lethargied

Anagrams

• rescinding

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin pungens (stem pungent-), present participle of pungo (“to sting”).

Pronunciation

• enPR: p?nj?nt, IPA^(key): /?p?nd??nt/

Adjective

pungent (comparative more pungent, superlative most pungent)

1. Having a strong odor that stings the nose, said especially of acidic or spicy substances.

   I accidentally dropped the bottle of ammonia and after few seconds, a very pungent stench could be detected.

   • 1991, Paul Chadwick, Concrete: American Christmas, Dark Horse Books

     I can almost smell the fir scent… resinous, pungent.

2. Having a strong taste that stings the tongue, said especially of hot (spicy) food, which has a strong and sharp or bitter taste.
3. (figuratively) Stinging; acerbic.

   The critic gave a pungent review.

4. (botany) Having a sharp and stiff point.

Derived terms

• pungence
• pungently

Translations

Latin

Verb

pungent

1. third-person plural future active indicative of pung?