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to discern
01
to understand something through thought or reasoning
Transitive: to discern sth | to discern that
Examples
After much thought, she discerned that his actions were motivated by jealousy.
02
to distinguish between things
Transitive: to discern sth from sth
Examples
The judge was able to discern truth from lies in the witness's testimony.
03
to notice something using sight
Transitive: to discern a shape or sight
Examples
They could barely discern the mountain peak through the heavy mist.
04
to perceive something using senses other than sight
Transitive: to discern a sensory stimulus
Examples
She discerned a faint scent of roses as she entered the room.
Lexical Tree
discernable
discernible
discerning
discern
