11 uses
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Definition
to notice or understand something — often something that is not obvious
- Upon the eighth day he discerned a small vessel under full sail approaching Monte Cristo.Chapters 25-26 (19% in)
- Monte Cristo made a sign with his head to show that he could discern in the darkness the door to which Bertuccio alluded.Chapters 43-44 (37% in)
- At one corner, where the foliage became so thick as almost to shut out day, a large stone bench and sundry rustic seats indicated that this sheltered spot was either in general favor or particular use by some inhabitant of the house, which was faintly discernible through the dense mass of verdure that partially concealed it, though situated but a hundred paces off.Chapters 51-52 (6% in)
- ...thrown upon the stone bench, a book, a parasol, and a work-basket, from which hung a partly embroidered cambric handkerchief, while at a little distance from these articles was a young woman, standing close to the iron gate, endeavoring to discern something on the other side by means of the openings in the planks,—the earnestness of her attitude and the fixed gaze with which she seemed to seek the object of her wishes, proving how much her feelings were interested in the matter.Chapters 51-52 (8% in)
- The house, which was discernible through the trees, remained in darkness, and gave no indication that so important an event as the signature of a marriage-contract was going on.Chapters 73-74 (31% in)
- This kiosk appeared to me to be at a considerable distance, perhaps on account of the darkness of the night, which prevented any object from being more than partially discerned.Chapters 77-78 (28% in)
- Suddenly we heard loud cries; and, listening, discerned that they were cries of joy.Chapters 77-78 (41% in)
- Alone and free to act as he wished, the man then drew from his pocket something which the count could not discern, placed it on a stand, then went straight to the secretary, felt the lock, and contrary to his expectation found that the key was missing.Chapters 81-82 (73% in)
- The man whom he had seen seated on a fence had got down, and was still pacing the street; but, strange as it appeared, he cared not for those who might pass from the avenue of the Champs-Elysees or by the Faubourg St. Honore; his attention was engrossed with what was passing at the count's, and his only aim appeared to be to discern every movement in the dressing-room.Chapters 81-82 (78% in)
- He placed the young girl again on the chair,—her lips were scarcely discernible, they were so pale and white, as well as her whole face,—and remained motionless, looking at Noirtier, who appeared to anticipate and commend all he did.Chapters 93-94 (83% in)
- A sort of smile was discernible on the motionless lips of Noirtier.Chapters 93-94 (90% in)
There are no more uses of "discern" in The Count of Monte Cristo.
Typical Usage
(best examples)