discern
to perceive by the sight or some other sense or by the intellect; see, recognize, or apprehend: They discerned a sail on the horizon.
to distinguish mentally; recognize as distinct or different; discriminate: He is incapable of discerning right from wrong.
to distinguish or discriminate.
Origin of discern
1synonym study For discern
Other words for discern
Other words from discern
- dis·cern·er, noun
- pre·dis·cern, verb (used with object)
- un·dis·cerned, adjective
Words Nearby discern
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use discern in a sentence
But, as far as I can discern, they do focused, pragmatic work.
The addicting ditty “One of These Things” was used to help children learn to compare and discern differences.
Meaning, one was left to discern, that religion is self-evidently a coercive force for ill.
Karen Armstrong’s New Rule: Religion Isn’t Responsible for Violence | Patricia Pearson | October 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTLately though it seems the line between spin and reality is harder to discern.
Rational people, they contend, would take the time to discern whether the person behind the weapon was an actual threat.
It did not amuse me, nor, so far as I could discern, was Monsieur de Tressan greatly taken with it.
St. Martin's Summer | Rafael SabatiniAt 1720 to 1725 a close student of his work of hand may discern some signs of what was to follow, it might be said naturally.
Antonio Stradivari | Horace William PetherickNot once, by word or deed, can we discern that he cherished any idea of future renown.
The Life & Letters of Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky | Modeste TchaikovskyIn coasting along the shore, you will discern the summits which are marked on the chart.
Few minds could discern distinctly the path of truth and duty through the clouds and vapors of those stormy times.
Madame Roland, Makers of History | John S. C. Abbott
British Dictionary definitions for discern
/ (dɪˈsɜːn) /
(tr) to recognize or perceive clearly
to recognize or perceive (differences)
Origin of discern
1Derived forms of discern
- discerner, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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