vi to make cognizance.
2. discern ·vt to see by the eye or by the understanding; to perceive and recognize; as, to discern a difference.
3. discern ·vi to see or understand the difference; to make distinction; as, to discern between good and evil, truth and falsehood.
4. discern ·vt to see and identify by noting a difference or differences; to note the distinctive character of; to discriminate; to distinguish.