Search
Select the dictionary language
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.
He discerned a pattern in the data after hours of analysis.
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.
It 's important to discern genuine offers from scams when browsing online.
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.
From the window, he discerned a bird perched on a tree branch.
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.
He discerned the sound of footsteps approaching from behind.
Lexical Tree
discernable
discernible
discerning
discern
