discern
discern Lexical Profile
discern Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To perceive, recognize, or understand something that is not immediately obvious through careful mental observation or judgment.
"Historians are still trying to discern the true motives behind the diplomat's sudden resignation."
To distinguish or make out something with difficulty using vision or the other physical senses.
"Through the dense morning fog, the sailors could barely discern the outline of the rocky coastline."
To recognize or draw a clear distinction between two or more similar things.
"Experienced sommeliers can easily discern subtle differences between vintages from neighboring vineyards."
• Rhymes for discern
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French discerner, from Latin discernere ('to separate, set apart, or distinguish'), formed from dis- ('apart') and cernere ('to sift or perceive').