discern

verb
UK: /dɪˈsɜːn/
US: /dɪˈsɝːn/

  1. To notice or understand something that is not clear.

    1. I can discern a faint light in the distance I try to discern what he wants.
    2. It is often difficult to discern any difference between the two policies even after reading closely.

  2. To see something, often not very clearly or easily.

    1. I could just discern the shape of a building through the fog I could discern a figure in the distance.
    2. Detectives must discern the truth from a web of lies and half-truths to solve the mystery.

Synonyms

detect recognize ascertain perceive notice distinguish differentiate
discern adjective

  1. Able to show good judgment about the quality of something.

    1. She has a discern taste in art.
    2. The discern customer immediately recognized the superior craftsmanship of the hand-made furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "discern" in English means: To notice or understand something that is not clear., To see something, often not very clearly or easily..

The phonetic transcription of "discern" is /dɪˈsɜːn/ in British English and /dɪˈsɝːn/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "discern": detect, recognize, ascertain, perceive, notice, distinguish, differentiate.

Example usage of "discern": "I can discern a faint light in the distance I try to discern what he wants.". More examples on the page.