Decern vs. Discern — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 21, 2024
"Decern" is an incorrect spelling, while "Discern" is the correct spelling, meaning to recognize or perceive.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Decern or Discern
How to spell Discern?
Decern
Incorrect Spelling
Discern
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Remember "discern" starts with "dis-", like "distant" or "disagree."
Visualize an eye in the middle of "discern" to signify perception.
Associate "decern" with common spelling mistakes like "definately" for "definitely."
Link "discern" with "discipline," both starting with "disc."
Think of "c" as eyes, helping you to "see" or discern something.
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How Do You Spell Discern Correctly?
Incorrect: She couldn't decern the difference between the twins.
Correct: She couldn't discern the difference between the twins.
Incorrect: He tried to decern the truth from the lies.
Correct: He tried to discern the truth from the lies.
Incorrect: The jury had to decern the defendant's motive.
Correct: The jury had to discern the defendant's motive.
Incorrect: We need to decern which direction to take.
Correct: We need to discern which direction to take.
Incorrect: It was difficult to decern the painting's details in the dim light.
Correct: It was difficult to discern the painting's details in the dim light.
Discern Definitions
To detect with the senses, especially with the eyes.
He discerned a ship on the horizon.
To perceive or recognize differences.
She could discern the subtle changes in his behavior.
To come to recognize or understand something mentally.
It took time to discern the truth.
To perceive with the eyes; detect or distinguish
Discern a figure in the shadows.
To recognize or understand as being distinct or different
Researchers finally discerned the purpose of the gene. ].
(transitive) To detect with the senses, especially with the eyes.
(transitive) To perceive, recognize, or comprehend with the mind; to descry.
(transitive) To distinguish something as being different from something else; to differentiate or discriminate.
He was too young to discern right from wrong.
(intransitive) To perceive differences.
To see and identify by noting a difference or differences; to note the distinctive character of; to discriminate; to distinguish.
To discern such buds as are fit to produce blossoms.
A counterfeit stone which thine eye can not discern from a right stone.
To see by the eye or by the understanding; to perceive and recognize; as, to discern a difference.
And [I] beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding.
Our unassisted sight . . . is not acute enough to discern the minute texture of visible objects.
I wake, and I discern the truth.
To see or understand the difference; to make distinction; as, to discern between good and evil, truth and falsehood.
More than sixscore thousand that cannot discern between their right hand their left.
To make cognizance.
Detect with the senses;
The fleeing convicts were picked out of the darkness by the watchful prison guards
I can't make out the faces in this photograph
To distinguish or differentiate.
It's difficult to discern fact from fiction.
To identify something obscure or unclear.
With effort, she discerned the hidden meaning.
Discern Meaning in a Sentence
It takes experience to discern the best course of action in complex situations.
She could discern a faint smell of smoke in the air, signaling a possible fire.
He had the ability to discern truth from deception effortlessly.
It's important to discern the needs of your clients to provide the best service.
With practice, you'll be able to discern the subtle flavors in this dish.
Experts can discern changes in the market before they become obvious to others.
To discern the pattern, we need to analyze the data more thoroughly.
Can you discern the difference between these two shades of blue?
Bird watchers develop the skill to discern different species by their songs.
Art critics have a trained eye to discern the nuances in a painting's style.
The guide could discern the path through the jungle with ease.
It's sometimes hard to discern the author's true intent in ambiguous texts.
A good teacher can discern when a student is struggling, even if they don't say anything.
With digital enhancement, we can now discern details in the photo that were previously invisible.
Musicians can discern subtle timing and pitch variations that untrained ears might miss.
To make an informed decision, one must discern the pros and cons carefully.
The detective used his keen observation skills to discern clues at the crime scene.
Psychologists try to discern patterns in human behavior to understand how the mind works.
In the dim light, it was hard to discern the exit sign.
Through the telescope, astronomers can discern features on distant planets.
Discern Idioms & Phrases
Discern between fact and fiction
To distinguish between what is true and what is made up.
In today's media landscape, it's crucial to discern between fact and fiction.
Discern a pattern
To identify a recurring theme or characteristic.
Researchers try to discern patterns in data to predict future trends.
Discern wisely
To make judgments or decisions based on understanding and insight.
Leaders need to discern wisely when navigating complex issues.
Discern differences
To recognize distinctions between two or more things.
A sommelier can discern differences between similar wines.
Discern the significance
To recognize the importance or meaning of something.
Historians seek to discern the significance of events in shaping our world.
Discern right from wrong
To distinguish between ethical and unethical actions.
From an early age, children are taught to discern right from wrong.
Discern the truth
To recognize or understand the truth.
Detectives work hard to discern the truth from the web of lies.
Discern the best choice
To identify the most suitable option among many.
With so many products on the market, it's challenging to discern the best choice.
Discern personal biases
To recognize one's own prejudices or preconceptions.
Being able to discern personal biases is key to objective decision-making.
Discern future trends
To predict or identify upcoming changes or movements.
Fashion designers try to discern future trends to stay ahead.
Discern the mood
To gauge the emotional atmosphere or feeling of a group or individual.
A skilled leader can discern the mood of their team and act accordingly.
Discern subtle hints
To notice or understand small or not immediately obvious signals.
An experienced negotiator can discern subtle hints in their counterpart's body language.
Discern the underlying issue
To recognize the root cause of a problem.
It's important to discern the underlying issue rather than just treating the symptoms.
Discern between choices
To make a decision when faced with two or more options.
Choosing a career path requires one to discern between various choices.
Discern someone's intentions
To understand or interpret what someone plans or wants to do.
It can be difficult to discern someone's intentions just by their words.
Discern quality
To recognize the standard or excellence of something.
Over time, consumers learn to discern quality in products they buy.
Discern someone's needs
To understand what someone requires or desires.
Effective caregivers can discern someone's needs, often before they are expressed.
Discern a lie
To detect when something is not true.
It's not always easy to discern a lie, especially when it's told convincingly.
Discern what is unspoken
To understand implied or suggested meanings, not explicitly stated.
A good friend can often discern what is unspoken through empathy and understanding.
Discern the essence
To understand the most important qualities or features of something.
Philosophers strive to discern the essence of human existence.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called Discern?
It's called "discern" from the Latin "discernere" meaning to separate or distinguish.
Which conjunction is used with Discern?
There isn't a specific conjunction exclusive to "discern."
What is the singular form of Discern?
"Discern" is already singular.
Is Discern an abstract noun?
No, but "discernment" is.
Which preposition is used with Discern?
"Between" as in "discern between right and wrong."
What is the verb form of Discern?
"Discern" is already a verb.
What is the pronunciation of Discern?
It is pronounced as dih-SURN.
What is the plural form of Discern?
Verbs don't have a plural form.
What is the root word of Discern?
The root is the Latin word "discernere."
Which vowel is used before Discern?
The vowel "i" is used.
Is Discern a negative or positive word?
Neutral.
Is Discern a vowel or consonant?
"Discern" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
Is Discern a collective noun?
No.
How do we divide Discern into syllables?
Dis-cern.
What is another term for Discern?
Perceive.
Which determiner is used with Discern?
Determiners like "the" or "a" can be used depending on context.
Is Discern an adverb?
No.
Is the word Discern a gerund?
No, but "discerning" is.
Is the word Discern imperative?
It can be, e.g., "Discern the difference!"
What is a stressed syllable in Discern?
The second syllable, "cern."
What part of speech is Discern?
Verb.
Is the word “Discern” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can function as neither; it's a verb.
How many syllables are in Discern?
Two syllables.
What is the second form of Discern?
Discerned.
How is Discern used in a sentence?
With keen observation, she could discern the genuine painting from the forgery.
Which article is used with Discern?
Either "the" or "a" can be used depending on the context.
Is Discern a noun or adjective?
Verb.
Is Discern a countable noun?
"Discern" is a verb, not a noun.
Is the Discern term a metaphor?
It can be used metaphorically, e.g., "discern the winds of change."
What is the opposite of Discern?
Overlook.
What is the first form of Discern?
Discern.
What is the third form of Discern?
Discerned.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
