| v. t. | 1. | To see and identify by noting a difference or differences; to note the distinctive character of; to discriminate; to distinguish. |
| 2. | To see by the eye or by the understanding; to perceive and recognize; | |
| v. i. | 1. | To see or understand the difference; to make distinction; |
| 2. | To make cognizance. |
| Verb | 1. | discern - 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" |