discern
verb (used with object)
to perceive by the sight or some other sense or by the intellect; see, recognize, or apprehend.
discerned
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past participleof discern.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof discern.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
discernverb (used with object)to perceive by the sight or some other sense or by the intellect; see, recognize, or apprehend.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The 1924 Immigration Act limited immigration so drastically, that it can be discerned by a distinct bend in the chart of US annual population growth.
From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026
The Polish nobility, for instance, is portrayed as not so noble, which blurs the line between invaders and oppressors; any subtleties to be discerned between the languages spoken were probably swallowed up in the subtitles.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 28, 2026
Myanmar has a rich culture of fortune-telling, and many believe the future can be discerned by mystics.
From Barron's ● Dec. 21, 2025
While it has not yet been discerned whether the tape was taken during the March raids, a source asserted, "They are contacting people that they’ve found on the tapes."
From Salon ● May 29, 2024
Despite the cloudless sky, the old trees ahead cast deep, dark, cool shadows, and it was a few seconds before Harry’s eyes discerned the building half-hidden amongst the tangle of trunks.
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
