discern
verb (used with object)
to perceive by the sight or some other sense or by the intellect; see, recognize, or apprehend.
have discerned
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present perfectof discern.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
A couple of folks told me how selfish I'd been — not terribly helpful, especially as I couldn't have discerned what was selfish at the time.
From Salon ● May 27, 2023
So from my limited, headline-osmosis understanding of the sport, here’s what I have discerned: Damned if you’re Naomi Osaka refusing to participate in a news conference.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 1, 2021
So far, I have discerned only that his brilliant idea was to make it both funny and sad at exactly the same time.
From Slate ● Apr. 5, 2018
Scholars have discerned Soane’s influence in the lodge’s design.
From New York Times ● Jan. 4, 2016
Their beaks, claws, and plumage were so distinct that only a trained eye could have discerned the unity lurking beneath.
From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee
