Word Finder - discern

definition

To detect with the senses, especially with the eyes.

definition

To perceive, recognize, or comprehend with the mind; to descry.

definition

To distinguish something as being different from something else; to differentiate.

example

He was too young to discern right from wrong.

definition

To perceive differences.

We must discern between the truth and lies.

The man stopped, thinking he'd heard some movement behind him, but after listening a few minutes could discern no human sound and was satisfied he was alone.

We must discern the truth.

Few can discern the meanings inherent within a dream world.

There was no way to discern if it was the vehicle loaned to Howie.

Darian studied his friend, unable to discern exactly what Jule wanted him to know.

Children, who play life, discern its true law and relations more clearly than men, who fail to live it worthily, but who think that they are wiser by experience, that is, by failure.

It is difficult to discern the divine will.

Can you discern a difference between them?

Through our own recovered innocence we discern the innocence of our neighbors.

It is from this time that we discern two distinct tendencies in the viking people.

The general effect is impressive, not by any virtues of style, for we do not discern one, but by reason of the magnitude and importance of the undertaking, and the visible conscientiousness and the grasp with which it is executed.

He sat on the floor with her, but could discern neither what was wrong, nor how to help.

With rich data, grounded theorists can more readily discernwhat participants mean and how they define their experiences.

The firelight flickered weakly; creating shadows on his face that made his expression hard to discern.

We can discern two important trends related to the project's purpose.

We must discern more about them.

In spite of legendary accretions we can still discern the true outlines and significance of his life.

So our ability to find cause and effect in that—and to really discern fact from fallacy, what's good from what's bad for us—is highly suspect.

The purpose of these programs is to guide students to establish or discern their own system of values on which to base their moral decisions.

It is not difficult to discern the influence of naïve materialism in contemporary thinking.

We clearly discern how this reacted on his Messianic conceptions.

His skin was the shade of melted chocolate, his features too exotic to discern his ethnicity, and his long, straight hair was braided down his back.

If you're not familiar with the various retail configurations, it can be difficult to discern why one bundle costs $100 more than a package that appears to be nearly identical.

Hence we see that if one unit is derived from another it may be possible, by the similarity or difference of the forms of the curves, to discern whether it was derived by general consent and recognition from a standard in the same condition of distribution as that in which we know it, or whether it was derived from it in earlier times before it became so varied, or by some one action forming it from an individual example of the other standard without any variation being transmitted.

We can occasionally, however, discern traces of his tact and remarkable prudence; and, on the whole, his attitude, particularly with regard to the Union question, recommended him to James.

But we should first note a few points that we can discern from reading the sed contra.

Could they discern editor Antony Gibbs ' individual " handwriting " in these otherwise disparate films?

O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

With the noise equal to the data, it is hard to discern the presence of a single sinusoid.

This might be hard to discern, as rents appear static in all but a handful.

It is not difficult to discern the influence of naïve materialism in contemporary thinking.

It is easy to discern from varied allusions in the Old Testament that the Canaanite impress of sensuous life clung to the autumnal vintage festivals.

The usual tendency has been to regard it in the light of the criticism of early Israelite history, which demands some reconstruction (§ 8), and to discern distinct tribal movements previous to the union of Judah and Israel under David.

The only way to truly discern the benefits of feeding any food to your dog is to actually feed it on a trial basis for at least two months.

While casual observers may not be able to discern whether the gem is a diamond or another stone, many people will assume that it is not a diamond simply because fancy colors are so rare.

Carat size is the least significant factor in its quality, though it may be hard to discern true champagne shades in very small stones.

Unless you are familiar enough with the Kooba line to be able to discern a replica, it is best to shop at authorized retailers.

So, keep your guard up and try to discern the true fortune teller from the fake.

In fact, it is quite well known that people born under this sign can discern evil plans and interpersonal problems of others by reflecting them in a mirror of obsidian glass.

Teenagers' interests can occasionally be hard to discern, particularly since teens change their hobbies and interests frequently, but some basic themes are suitable for nearly any teen party.

Differing levels are difficult to discern the difference with the naked eye.

Before eye makeup application begins, it's imperative to discern the most appropriate eye look.

A good trainer can discern a confused pet from a dangerous one, and many are willing to come to your home to observe your dog in his own habitat.

These costs are also rolled into the price of each puppy, so be sure you ask to see any vet reports and bills that may apply in order to discern whether the puppy you are considering has been adequately checked.

This lens offers the wearer a high degree of protection, as well as making it easy to discern color while the safety goggles are being worn.

Keeping a diary or journal of events you believe are paranormal can help you discern whether you have any ability, and if so, what form it takes.

The true nature of ghost voices is difficult to discern, due to the fact that the events are so unpredictable, and at times even the words that the voices convey appear meaningless.

No matter which precautions Ouija board users take to only communicate with so-called "good" spirits, it can be quite difficult to discern the intentions of any spirit that pops up to chat.

Meditation confers many benefits, especially for people who seek to develop or discern their psychic abilities.