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.

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

You don’t need AI to discern what they have in common.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

"Our eX-GL approach effectively automates the interpretation of complex magnetization reversal process and enables identification of hidden mechanisms, difficult to discern using conventional methods," says Prof. Kotsugi.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

This case will hinge on whether your landlord is doing their best to repair the elevator in a timely manner, which I can’t discern from your letter.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

She crept along the stalls one by one, peeking inside each and trying to discern their residents in the darkness.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

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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