descry

[ dih-skrahy ]

verb (used with object)

, de·scried, de·scry·ing.

1. to see (something unclear or distant) by looking carefully; discern; espy:

   The lookout descried land.

   Synonyms: notice

2. to discover; ascertain; detect.

descry

/ dɪˈskraɪ /

verb

1. to discern or make out; catch sight of
2. to discover by looking carefully; detect

Derived Forms

• deˈscrier, noun

Other Words From

• de·scrier noun
• unde·scried adjective
• unde·scrying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of descry¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English descrien, from Old French de(s)crïer “to proclaim, decry”; dis- ¹, cry

Word History and Origins

Origin of descry¹

C14: from Old French descrier to proclaim, decry

Example Sentences

Barnum, America has evolved into a world in which there is “no business but show business,” descrying the descent of politics into mere performance spectacle.

From Salon

Once the employer of 500 people, the mill is a keyhole through which most of Dundee’s history can be descried.

From Washington Post

The six and twentieth day of April, about four o’clock in the morning, we descried the land of Virginia.

From Literature

Another witness descried their relationship as being "more like mother and daughter".

From BBC

But he was comfortable with the show, which he descried as “about 85% true to life.”

From Seattle Times