1. (v. t.) To see and identify by noting a difference or differences; to note the distinctive character of; to discriminate; to distinguish.

2. (v. t.) To see by the eye or by the understanding; to perceive and recognize; as, to discern a difference.

3. (v. i.) To see or understand the difference; to make distinction; as, to discern between good and evil, truth and falsehood.

4. (v. i.) To make cognizance.

anticipate appreciate apprehend ascertain be acquainted with be apprised of be aware of be cognizant of be conscious of be conversant with be informed behold catch sight of clap eyes on cognize come alive comprehend conceive conceptualize descry detect difference differentiate discover discriminate distinguish divine espy extricate fathom foresee glimpse grasp have have in sight have information about have knowledge of identify ken know lay eyes on look on look upon make out note notice observe penetrate perceive pick out pick up pierce plumb possess prehend realize recognize remark savvy see see daylight see into see the light see through seize sense separate sever sight spot spy take in twig understand view witness wot wot of