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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.

Myanmar has a rich culture of fortune-telling, and many believe the future can be discerned by mystics.

From Barron's

Still, the U.S. stock market has gotten a big lift in 2025 from tech’s strong rally, with investors trying to discern whether the AI boom has formed a bubble.

From MarketWatch

Still, the U.S. stock market has gotten a big lift in 2025 from tech’s strong rally, with investors trying to discern whether the AI boom has formed a bubble.

From MarketWatch

Armed with this knowledge, the buyers became more discerning.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some of their more discerning wine-loving friends are also stocking up.

From The Wall Street Journal

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.