Pronunciation coach
Discern
Sounds like
dihsurn
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Simple meaning
What does Discern mean?
Discern means notice or understand carefully.
Dictionary definition
To notice, understand, or judge something carefully, especially when it is not obvious.
Example sentences
Discern in a sentence
easy
It was hard to discern the shape in the fog.
medium
Readers can discern the character's feelings from small clues.
hard
Good researchers discern patterns by studying evidence carefully.
Synonyms
Words like Discern
Antonyms
Opposite words
missUse when someone does not notice something.
overlookUse when someone fails to see or consider something.
Word family
Discern word family
Base word
discern
verb
discern
To notice or understand carefully.
noun
discernment
Careful judgment or understanding.
adjective
discerning
Showing careful judgment.
Related words
Explore related words
Quick practice
Try Discern
Practice 1
What does discern mean?
Discern means to notice, understand, or judge something carefully.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses discern correctly?
This sentence uses discern to mean notice or understand carefully.
Practice 3
Which word is closest in meaning to discern?
Detect means to find or notice something, which is close to discern.
Practice this skill
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Learning paths
- Define the Word Hive for word meanings.
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- Context Clue Challenge for sentence clues.
- Buzz Between for homophones and listening.
- Hive Builder for roots, prefixes, and suffixes.