discern
Translation
to discern, to perceive, to recognize
Examples
I could just discern a figure in the fog.
I could just discern a figure in the fog.
It is difficult to discern the truth.
It is difficult to discern the truth.
She could not discern who was right.
She could not discern who was right.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to see, recognize, or understand (sth.) that is not clear It is difficult to discern the truth.
((who/what/why...)) to see, recognize, or understand (who/what/why...) She could not discern who was right.
Similar Words
Synonyms: perceive, detect, distinguish; Antonyms: overlook, ignore
Etymology
From Latin 'discernere', from 'dis-' (apart) + 'cernere' (to separate, sift).
Memory Tips
To 'discern' is to 'separate' ('dis-') one thing from another with your senses or mind, to see it clearly.