CEFR B1

discern

verb

Meaning

To perceive or recognize something, especially something that is not obvious.

Examples

It's difficult to discern the truth from the lies.
She could discern a change in his mood.

Synonyms: see, notice, recognize, distinguish

Learn English that separates you from the crowd with Anaversity: private classes, Ani practice, Campus tools, and a public English-learning community.

discern (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /dɪˈsɜːn/

Definition

To perceive or recognize something, especially something that is not obvious.

Examples

It's difficult to discern the truth from the lies.
She could discern a change in his mood.
The detective was able to discern a pattern in the burglaries.

How to Use discern

discern between (prepositional phrase): To recognize the difference between two or more things. — "It is important to discern between fact and opinion."
discern something from something (prepositional phrase): To perceive or recognize something distinct from something else. — "He could discern the faint sound of music from the next room."

Synonyms of discern

Words with a similar meaning to discern:

Antonyms of discern

Words with the opposite meaning to discern:

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary