[with obj.]perceive or recognize (something) 察觉;识别(某物) I can discern no difference between the two policies. 我看不出这两种政策有什么区别。 [with clause]pupils quickly discern what is acceptable to the teacher. 学生们很快就知道对老师来说什么是可以接受的。 ■distinguish (someone or something) with difficulty by sight or with the other senses 辨明;分清 she could faintly discern the shape of a skull. 她模模糊糊能看出一个头骨的轮廓。