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discern

verb/dɪˈsɜrn/

to perceive or recognize something clearly

It was hard to discern the shape of the mountain through the fog.

detectobserverecognize
word origin — from Latin 'discernere', meaning 'to separate' or 'to distinguish'

Advanced Plus — Set 29

Set 29 of Advanced Plus covers 5 words: discern, benevolent, void, potent, advent. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. discern · verb/dɪˈsɜrn/

    to perceive or recognize something clearly

    It was hard to discern the shape of the mountain through the fog.

    Synonyms: detect, observe, recognize

    Origin: from Latin 'discernere', meaning 'to separate' or 'to distinguish'

  2. benevolent · adjective/bəˈnɛvələnt/

    well-meaning and kindly

    The benevolent man always helped the poor in his neighborhood.

    Synonyms: kind, generous, caring

    Origin: from Latin 'benevolens', meaning 'well wishing'

  3. void · noun/vɔɪd/

    a completely empty space or area

    The room felt strange because it had a void where the furniture used to be.

    Synonyms: empty space, gap, vacuum

    Origin: from Old French 'veide', meaning 'empty', from Latin 'vacuus', meaning 'empty or unoccupied'

  4. potent · adjective/ˈpoʊtnt/

    having great power, influence, or effect

    The medicine was very potent, helping people feel better quickly.

    Synonyms: powerful, strong, influential

    Origin: from Latin 'potens', meaning 'powerful, able'

  5. advent · noun/ˈæd.vɛnt/

    the arrival of a notable person or event

    The advent of new technology has changed how we communicate.

    Synonyms: arrival, coming, onset

    Origin: from Latin 'adventus', meaning 'arrival'