discern

[ dih-surn, -zurn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to perceive by the sight or some other sense or by the intellect; see, recognize, or apprehend:

   They discerned a sail on the horizon.

   Synonyms: espy, descry, discover

2. to distinguish mentally; recognize as distinct or different; discriminate:

   He is incapable of discerning right from wrong.

   Synonyms: judge, differentiate

verb (used without object)

1. to distinguish or discriminate.

   Synonyms: judge, differentiate

discern

/ dɪˈsɜːn /

verb

1. tr to recognize or perceive clearly
2. to recognize or perceive (differences)

Derived Forms

• disˈcerner, noun

Other Words From

• dis·cern·er noun
• pre·dis·cern verb (used with object)
• un·dis·cerned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discern¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin discernere “to separate,” from dis- dis- ¹ + cernere “to decide, separate, sift”

Word History and Origins

Origin of discern¹

C14: from Old French discerner, from Latin discernere to divide, from dis- ¹(apart) + cernere to separate

Synonym Study

See notice.

Example Sentences

This son of an artist-painter father and occupational therapist mother initially wanted to be a chef, thanks to his discerning palate.

From Ozy

Choosing a mix from a single brand may allow you to discern differences more consistently than randomly selecting styles from a variety of brands.

From Popular-Science

It is not with some discerning eye on my part that I wound up on a show that still somehow manages to be culturally relevant 20 years later.

From Washington Post

Designed as fun teaching tools, they’re meant to help both budding news consumers and veteran news junkies learn how to discern factually sound, vetted reporting from malicious misinformation.

From Ozy

This allows them to smell with higher sensitivity, while being able to minutely discern what they’re smelling—blood or Deet.

From Singularity Hub 

But, as far as I can discern, they do focused, pragmatic work.

From The Daily Beast

The addicting ditty “One of These Things” was used to help children learn to compare and discern differences.

From The Daily Beast

Meaning, one was left to discern, that religion is self-evidently a coercive force for ill.

From The Daily Beast

Lately though it seems the line between spin and reality is harder to discern.

From The Daily Beast

Rational people, they contend, would take the time to discern whether the person behind the weapon was an actual threat.

From The Daily Beast

It did not amuse me, nor, so far as I could discern, was Monsieur de Tressan greatly taken with it.

From Project Gutenberg

At 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.

From Project Gutenberg

Not once, by word or deed, can we discern that he cherished any idea of future renown.

From Project Gutenberg

In coasting along the shore, you will discern the summits which are marked on the chart.

From Project Gutenberg

Few minds could discern distinctly the path of truth and duty through the clouds and vapors of those stormy times.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• anticipate
• ascertain
• detect
• determine
• differentiate
• discriminate
• distinguish
• divine
• figure out
• find out
• foresee
• perceive

More About Discern

What does discern mean?

Discern means to recognize small details, accurately tell the difference between similar things, and make intelligent judgements by using such observations.

The ability to do this or the process of doing it is called discernment, as in Only through careful discernment can you tell a genuine artifact from the work of a counterfeiter. 

Things that can be identified or distinguished in such a way can be described as discernible. The adjective discerning can be used to describe someone who has the ability to discern or to describe such an ability, as in Most chefs have a very discerning palate. A close synonym is discriminating.

The verb discriminate can be used to mean the same thing as discern (discriminate also commonly means to treat in a prejudicial way, which is not one of the senses of discern).

Example: These two scents may smell identical to the average person, but an experienced perfumer can discern the difference between them.

Where does discern come from?

The first records of the word discern come from the 1300s. It derives from the Latin term discernere, meaning “to separate” or “to divide,” from dis-, meaning “apart,” and cernere, “to separate.”

To discern is to tell things apart—to separate them, even when they appear to be very similar. People who are able to discern are able to make keen observations about things. A person with a sophisticated palate may be able to discern flavors that others cannot. This ability is often associated with wisdom and experience. Discerning also often involves making a judgment, especially about things that aren’t obvious. For example, it takes discernment to accurately judge someone’s character.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to discern? 

• discernment (noun)
• discerning (continuous tense verb, adjective)
• discernible (adjective)
• undiscerned (adjective)
• discerner (noun)

What are some synonyms for discern?

• distinguish
• differentiate
• discriminate

What are some words that share a root or word element with discern? 

 

• discernible 
• discerning

 

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing discern?

 

• between
• difference
• apart
• perception
• keen
• observation
• judgement

How is discern used in real life?

Discern is a somewhat formal word and is typically used in serious contexts.

We’re proud to highlight Esan Sommersell, a GR-based artist. In a world where it's become increasingly more difficult to discern fact from fiction, Sommersell's paintings remind us that what we see, hear, touch and taste cannot be separated from what we feel. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/lCTB4jgL26

— Founders Brewing Co. (@foundersbrewing) June 24, 2020

'Every reader is actually the reader of himself. The writer's work is only a kind of optical instrument he provides the reader so he can discern what he might never have seen in himself without this book.'
― Marcel Proust #BOTD in 1871 pic.twitter.com/KExZ4WA8RG

— Royal Society of Literature (@RSLiterature) July 10, 2020

see I’m always inclined to put turmeric in things because I, and I know people are going to have Feelings about this, have never been able to discern a Taste in turmeric

— danielle tcholakian (@danielleiat) November 28, 2019

 

 

Try using discern!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of discern? 

A. differentiate
B. distinguish
C. discriminate
D. ignore