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.

I had to narrow it down and discern a moment.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 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

Having said that, it's not hard to discern the King's values.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

The simplicity of the Shaker objects exerts a power that is, at best, difficult to discern in the self-consciousness of most of the show’s recent pieces.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 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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