To Discern

1. (transitive) To detect with the senses, especially with the eyes.
2. (transitive) To perceive, recognize, or comprehend with the mind; to descry.
3. (transitive) To distinguish something as being different from something else; to differentiate.
4. (intransitive) To perceive differences.

Synonyms

• (detect with the senses): perceive
  • (especially with the eyes): behold, see
• (perceive, recognize, or comprehend with the mind): ken, spy; spot
• (distinguish something as being different): discriminate, distinguish; tell apart