7 uses
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Definition
to notice or understand something — often something that is not obvious
- Pandarus wounds him with an arrow, but the goddess cures him, enables him to discern gods from mortals, and prohibits him from contending with any of the former, excepting Venus.1.4 — Volume 1 Book 4 (97% in)
- Thus they; but aged Priam Helen call'd: "Come here, my child, and sitting by my side, From whence thou canst discern thy former Lord, His kindred, and thy friends (not thee I blame, But to the Gods I owe this woful war), Tell me the name of yonder mighty chief Among the Greeks a warrior brave and strong: Others in height surpass him; but my eyes A form so noble never yet beheld, Nor so august; he moves, a King indeed!"1.3 — Volume 1 Book 3 (35% in)
- ...pray'd the chief, and Pallas heard his pray'r; To all his limbs, to feet and hands alike, She gave fresh vigour; and with winged words, Beside him as she stood, address'd him thus: "Go fearless onward, Diomed, to meet The Trojan hosts; for I within thy breast Thy father's dauntless courage have infus'd, Such as of old in Tydeus' bosom dwelt, Bold horseman, buckler-clad; and from thine eyes The film that dimm'd them I have purg'd away, That thou mayst well 'twixt Gods and men discern.1.5 — Volume 1 Book 5 (15% in)
- ...plain to seize his feather'd prey: So swiftly Neptune left the chiefs; him first Departing, knew Oileus' active son, And thus the son of Telamon address'd: "Ajax, since some one of th' Olympian Gods, In likeness of a seer, hath hither come To urge us to the war (no Calchas he, Our augur Heav'n-inspir'd; for well I mark'd His movements, as he went; and of a God 'tis easy to discern the outward signs), I feel fresh spirit kindled in my breast, And new-born vigour in my feet and hands."2.13 — Volume 2 Book 13 (12% in)
- His words fresh courage rous'd in ev'ry breast; And from their eyeballs Pallas purg'd away The film of darkness; and on ev'ry side, Both tow'rd the ships and tow'rd the level fight, Clear light diffus'd; there Hector they discern'd, And all his comrades, those who stood aloof, And those who near the ships maintain'd the war.2.15 — Volume 2 Book 15 (88% in)
- They on the booty, from afar discern'd, Sprang from their ambuscade; and cutting off The herds, and fleecy flocks, their guardians slew.2.18 — Volume 2 Book 18 (82% in)
- Him first the aged Priam's eyes discern'd, Scouring the plain, in arms all dazzling bright, Like to th' autumnal star, whose brilliant ray Shines eminent amid the depth of night, Whom men the dog-star of Orion call; The brightest he, but sign to mortal man Of evil augury, and fiery heat: So shone the brass upon the warrior's breast.2.22 — Volume 2 Book 22 (5% in)
There are no more uses of "discern" in The Iliad by Homer - (translated by: Edward).
Typical Usage
(best examples)