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

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