Definitions
- Referring to the ability to distinguish or recognize something with great accuracy. - Describing the act of perceiving something that is not immediately obvious or clear. - Talking about the ability to understand or comprehend something that is complex or subtle.
- Referring to the ability to become aware of something through the senses, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell. - Describing the act of noticing or becoming conscious of something that was previously unnoticed or unknown. - Talking about the ability to interpret or understand something in a particular way.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe the ability to sense or understand something.
- 2Both words can be used to describe mental processes.
- 3Both words are often used to describe the ability to notice or become aware of something.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Discern emphasizes the ability to distinguish or recognize something with great accuracy, while perceive emphasizes the ability to become aware of something through the senses.
- 2Scope: Discern can refer to a wide range of abilities, including understanding complex or subtle concepts, while perceive is more limited to sensory experiences.
- 3Usage: Discern is often used in formal or literary contexts, while perceive is more commonly used in everyday language.
- 4Connotation: Discern has a positive connotation, suggesting a high level of intelligence or insight, while perceive can have a neutral or negative connotation, suggesting a lack of clarity or accuracy.
Remember this!
Discern and perceive both describe the ability to sense or understand something. However, discern emphasizes the ability to distinguish or recognize something with great accuracy, while perceive emphasizes the ability to become aware of something through the senses. Discern is often used in formal or literary contexts, while perceive is more commonly used in everyday language.
