disc
ern
Third Person
discerns
Present Participle
discerning
Past Tense
discerned
Past Participle
discerned
1
to understand something through thought or reasoning
transitive
- After much thought, she discerned that his actions were motivated by jealousy.
- He discerned a pattern in the data after hours of analysis.
- The student discerned the deeper meaning behind the poet's words.
- After months of therapy, he discerned the source of his anxiety.
- He slowly discerned that his approach to the problem was flawed.
2
to distinguish between things
transitive
- The judge was able to discern truth from lies in the witness's testimony.
- It's important to discern genuine offers from scams when browsing online.
- The critic could easily discern the unique style of the artist.
- Scientists must discern facts from assumptions in their research.
- Over time, she learned to discern genuine friends from those with hidden motives.
3
to notice something using sight
transitive
- They could barely discern the mountain peak through the heavy mist.
- From the window, he discerned a bird perched on a tree branch.
- The sailors discerned a ship on the horizon as the fog lifted.
- As the sun began to rise, they could discern the outline of the distant mountains.
- Through the thick mist, she discerned the shape of a small boat on the water.
4
to perceive something using senses other than sight
transitive
- She discerned a faint scent of roses as she entered the room.
- He discerned the sound of footsteps approaching from behind.
- The chef discerned a hint of garlic in the dish without even tasting it.
- In the dark room, she discerned the smell of freshly brewed coffee.
- She could discern the faint notes of a violin playing in the background.