Translation

見つける / 見分ける / かすかに認める

Meaning

To descry something is to catch sight of it or detect it, especially when it is distant, hidden, or difficult to see. The word is literary and uncommon. Do not confuse it with decry, which means to condemn publicly.

Examples

• 見張りは水平線上に帆を見つけた。
  The lookout descried a sail on the horizon.
• 薄暗い光の中で、私たちは塔の輪郭をかすかに認めた。
  In the dim light, we descried the outline of a tower.