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.

If he has an agenda, it is impossible to discern what it is.

From Salon • Jun. 25, 2026

In terms of actual names Leeds are chasing, it is difficult to discern at this stage, but I know they admire the Czech player Ladislav Krejci.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

But you can still discern the same rush, the same eagerness to assume that everything is going to turn out great without taking many steps to make sure that it does.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026

“We would stay out of the fray, play by the rules, ignore the ludicrous attacks and assume that people would discern the truth.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

In a few more steps the tunnel—Mrs. Frisby could now discern, dimly, its shape and direction—took a turn to the right, and she did see for herself.

From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien

Vocabulary lists containing discern

Things Fall Apart

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Romeo and Juliet

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Grade 10, List 5

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