Definition of the word discern

The word "discern" has a rich history that dates back to the 14th century. It comes from the Latin word "discernere," which means "to separate" or "to distinguish." This Latin verb is a compound of "dis-" (meaning "apart" or "asunder") and "cernere" (meaning "to judge" or "to discern"). In Middle English, the word "discern" first appeared in the 1300s, initially meaning "to separate" or "to distinguish" between two things. Over time, its meaning expanded to include "to judge" or "to perceive" something, often implying a high degree of insight or understanding. Today, "discern" is often used to describe the act of perceiving or recognizing something that is not immediately obvious, such as a subtle difference or a profound truth.