secern

se·cern

verb \si-ˈsərn\

Definition of SECERN

transitive verb

: to discriminate in thought : distinguish

Examples of SECERN

1. <those philistines who seemingly cannot secern artistic depiction of the nude from blatant pornography>

Origin of SECERN

Latin secernere to separate — more at secret

First Known Use: 1604

Related to SECERN

Synonyms: difference, differentiate, discern, discriminate, distinguish, separate

Antonyms: confuse, mistake, mix (up)

Related Words: contradistinguish; comprehend, grasp, know, understand; divide, part, sever; demarcate, mark (off), set off

Near Antonyms: confound, lump (together), mingle

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Rhymes with SECERN

adjourn, astern, attorn, casern, concern, discern, downturn, epergne, eterne, extern, heartburn, Hepburn, intern, in turn, inurn, kick turn, lucerne, Lucerne, nocturn, nocturne, outturn, return, sauternes, sojourn, star turn, stem turn, step turn, sunburn, unlearn, upturn, U-turn, windburn