Words / B2

di-SURN/dɪˈsɜːn/

To discern is to notice or understand something unclear: discern a pattern; discern whether. Notice is everyday; detect is close for instruments. Hard to discern bias if the sample is hidden. Rather formal. Do not mix with discerning (having good taste) without checking the grammar.

Meaning

To notice or understand something that is not obvious.

Examples

• “It is hard to discern bias if the sample is unpublished.”
• “A discerning reader is the adjective, which is about judgement, not just seeing.”

Good to know

discern a difference / pattern. Everyday: notice. Close: detect. Formal academic register. Adjective: discerning. Not a synonym of decide.

Near in meaning

notice

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