discern

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "discern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean "to recognize or identify something, especially with difficulty". For example: I was able to discern the faint whisper emanating from the next room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The letter outlined its hopes for political parties to discern "a fresh moral vision of the kind of country we want to be" before next month's general election.

The Guardian

Your ear can discern the slightest perceptible sound, even through the shrillest of noises.

The Guardian - Books

However without documenting the rates of bullying in academic contexts over time it is impossible to discern whether the problem is getting worse.

The Guardian

It is not difficult to discern where Wilders, who combines far-right anti-immigrant positions with leftist welfarism, is getting his inspiration: Rome.

The Guardian

Even within the AKP, it is hard to discern support for an executive presidency.

The Guardian

If you really concentrate, you might discern a slight marmalade note in there, but its main characteristic, a curious soured lemon flavour, is mostly reminiscent of Shandy Bass.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) October 9, 2012 See if you can discern the subliminal message at the president's pending OSU rally yfrog.com/h01ctzagj Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.30pm BST23 30 Here's a Time Magazine slide show of Paul Ryan working out.

The Guardian

So, from what I'm able to discern, one of two things is happening.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was always hard to discern what Stevens was thinking behind his pale grey eyes.

The Guardian

You have to peer closely to discern the wire connections between atoms and to get an idea of how the molecule takes shape.

The Guardian

Even then, the researchers were keen to stress that it is hard to categorise what counts as problem behaviour and almost impossible to discern whether games are the cause rather than underlying mental health issues that could have manifested in any number of ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "discern" when you want to emphasize a careful or subtle process of understanding or differentiating something. It's stronger than simply 'seeing' or 'hearing'.

Common error

Avoid using "discern" when a simpler verb like "see" or "notice" is more appropriate. "Discern" implies a deeper level of understanding or a more subtle observation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "discern" is as a transitive verb, indicating the action of perceiving or recognizing something, often with effort or subtlety. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discern" is a versatile verb meaning to perceive or recognize something, often with effort or subtlety. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "distinguish" or "perceive" may be suitable in certain situations, "discern" adds a layer of sophistication to writing. Remember to use it when emphasizing insightful observation rather than simple awareness. Use this guide to correctly employ "discern" in your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguish

Focuses on recognizing a difference between two or more things.

perceive

Emphasizes awareness gained through the senses.

recognize

Highlights the act of identifying something known.

detect

Implies discovering something not easily noticed.

ascertain

Focuses on finding something out for certain.

make out

Suggests perceiving something with effort or difficulty.

tell apart

Stresses the ability to differentiate between similar things.

understand

Centers on grasping the meaning or significance of something.

identify

Implies confirming what something is.

figure out

Suggests solving a problem or understanding a complex situation.

FAQs

How can I use "discern" in a sentence?

You can use "discern" to mean to perceive or recognize something, especially when it isn't obvious. For example, "It was difficult to discern the truth from his statement."

What's the difference between "discern" and "distinguish"?

"Discern" often implies a subtle or difficult act of perceiving or understanding, while "distinguish" means to recognize or point out differences between things.

What can I say instead of "discern"?

You can use alternatives like "perceive", "detect", or "understand", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "discern" in formal writing?

Yes, "discern" is suitable for formal writing and can add a touch of sophistication when you want to express careful or insightful observation.