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.

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

But another factor might also help explain some of the recent shakiness: BDCs are more loaded with debt than they used to be, often in ways that are hard to discern.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

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

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Clement’s followers look to his decades-old utterances to discern what might happen in 2026 as well as 2027.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

The mouse found a shred of cheese and turned it in its tiny paws as if attempting to discern its edibility.

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby

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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