discern

[ dih-surn, -zurn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to perceive by the sight or some other sense or by the intellect; see, recognize, or apprehend:

   They discerned a sail on the horizon.

   Synonyms: espy, descry, discover

2. to distinguish mentally; recognize as distinct or different; discriminate:

   He is incapable of discerning right from wrong.

   Synonyms: judge, differentiate

verb (used without object)

1. to distinguish or discriminate.

   Synonyms: judge, differentiate

discern

/ dɪˈsɜːn /

verb

1. tr to recognize or perceive clearly
2. to recognize or perceive (differences)

Derived Forms

• disˈcerner, noun

Other Words From

• dis·cern·er noun
• pre·dis·cern verb (used with object)
• un·dis·cerned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discern¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin discernere “to separate,” from dis- dis- ¹ + cernere “to decide, separate, sift”

Word History and Origins

Origin of discern¹

C14: from Old French discerner, from Latin discernere to divide, from dis- ¹(apart) + cernere to separate

Synonym Study

See notice.

Example Sentences

The exact impact of these tariffs is hard to discern, considering that the full effects can take years to settle in and the inflationary impact of the pandemic makes it difficult to draw straight lines.

From Salon

"It has not, however, yet developed a human-like sense of touch that can discern, for example, a rough sheet of newspaper paper from a smooth and glossy sheet of magazine paper."

From Science Daily

It represents a failure of much of the education system to help students discern the difference between news and propaganda.

From Salon

Once they made it through the doors, elated shoppers grabbed blind boxes and vigorously shook them to try to discern what was inside.

From Los Angeles Times

The new analysis highlights how scientists can now discern the fingerprint of climate change in complex weather events.

From BBC

Related Words

• anticipate
• ascertain
• detect
• determine
• differentiate
• discriminate
• distinguish
• divine
• figure out
• find out
• foresee
• perceive

More About Discern

What does discern mean?

Discern means to recognize small details, accurately tell the difference between similar things, and make intelligent judgements by using such observations.

The ability to do this or the process of doing it is called discernment, as in Only through careful discernment can you tell a genuine artifact from the work of a counterfeiter. 

Things that can be identified or distinguished in such a way can be described as discernible. The adjective discerning can be used to describe someone who has the ability to discern or to describe such an ability, as in Most chefs have a very discerning palate. A close synonym is discriminating.

The verb discriminate can be used to mean the same thing as discern (discriminate also commonly means to treat in a prejudicial way, which is not one of the senses of discern).

Example: These two scents may smell identical to the average person, but an experienced perfumer can discern the difference between them.

Where does discern come from?

The first records of the word discern come from the 1300s. It derives from the Latin term discernere, meaning “to separate” or “to divide,” from dis-, meaning “apart,” and cernere, “to separate.”

To discern is to tell things apart—to separate them, even when they appear to be very similar. People who are able to discern are able to make keen observations about things. A person with a sophisticated palate may be able to discern flavors that others cannot. This ability is often associated with wisdom and experience. Discerning also often involves making a judgment, especially about things that aren’t obvious. For example, it takes discernment to accurately judge someone’s character.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to discern? 

• discernment (noun)
• discerning (continuous tense verb, adjective)
• discernible (adjective)
• undiscerned (adjective)
• discerner (noun)

What are some synonyms for discern?

• distinguish
• differentiate
• discriminate

What are some words that share a root or word element with discern? 

 

• discernible 
• discerning

 

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing discern?

 

• between
• difference
• apart
• perception
• keen
• observation
• judgement

How is discern used in real life?

Discern is a somewhat formal word and is typically used in serious contexts.

We’re proud to highlight Esan Sommersell, a GR-based artist. In a world where it's become increasingly more difficult to discern fact from fiction, Sommersell's paintings remind us that what we see, hear, touch and taste cannot be separated from what we feel. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/lCTB4jgL26

— Founders Brewing Co. (@foundersbrewing) June 24, 2020

'Every reader is actually the reader of himself. The writer's work is only a kind of optical instrument he provides the reader so he can discern what he might never have seen in himself without this book.'
― Marcel Proust #BOTD in 1871 pic.twitter.com/KExZ4WA8RG

— Royal Society of Literature (@RSLiterature) July 10, 2020

see I’m always inclined to put turmeric in things because I, and I know people are going to have Feelings about this, have never been able to discern a Taste in turmeric

— danielle tcholakian (@danielleiat) November 28, 2019

 

 

Try using discern!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of discern? 

A. differentiate
B. distinguish
C. discriminate
D. ignore