What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discern
Example
I could discern a hint of sadness in her voice. [discern: verb]
Example
It was difficult to discern the path through the dense forest. [discern: verb]
Example
She had a discerning eye for art and could tell the difference between a masterpiece and an imitation. [discerning: adjective]
perceive
Example
I perceive a hint of jealousy in her tone. [perceive: verb]
Example
He couldn't perceive any difference between the two paintings. [perceive: verb]
Example
Her perception of the situation was that it was hopeless. [perception: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Perceive is more commonly used than discern in everyday language. Perceive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while discern is less common and refers to a more specific ability.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discern and perceive?
Discern is typically associated with a formal or literary tone, while perceive is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
