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Definitions

discern

[dih-surn, -zurn] / dɪˈsɜrn, -ˈzɜrn /
VERB
catch sight of; recognize and understand
Synonyms
STRONGEST
anticipate ascertain detect determine differentiate discriminate distinguish divine figure out find out foresee perceive
STRONG
apprehend behold descry discover espy extricate focus judge know note notice observe read remark rubberneck secern separate severalize spot view
WEAK
difference discrepate get a load of get the picture get wise to make distinction make out pick out see the light see through take in
Antonyms
STRONGEST
confuse doubt miss mix up overlook
STRONG
forget ignore lose misunderstand neglect
WEAK
disregard

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.

First, you’ll want to discern which performances you’d like to see.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Clement’s followers look to his decades-old utterances to discern what might happen in 2026 as well as 2027.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

A major reason is that the market is trying to discern which companies will emerge as long-term AI winners and which will ultimately see the technology devastate their profits.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

Generally if somewhat simplistically speaking, it’s not hard to discern whom to root for in a Shakespeare tragedy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

First, even our cognitive abilities as adults are heavily influenced by the social environment that we experienced during childhood, making it hard to discern any influence of preexisting genetic differences.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond