discern Copy link Outline I. To distinguish mentallyII. To see clearly (with the eyes or mind)1. cerno, 32. dispĭcio, spexi, spectum, 3 (implying obstacles in the way)3. perspĭcio, 3 (to see clearly) • discern: I. To distinguish mentally: sēcerno, discerno, internosco: v. to distinguish. II. To see clearly (with the eyes or mind): 1. cerno, 3: to d. with the eyes, oculis c., Cic.: to d. and understand anything, c. aliquid animo, Cic.: v. to perceive. 2. dispĭcio, spexi, spectum, 3 (implying obstacles in the way): Thule even has been d.'d, dispecta est et Thule, Tac.: not to be able to d. the truth, verum d. non posse, Cic.: what Pompey is aiming at I cannot d., Pompeius quid velit, non dispicio, Cic. More precisely, acie mentis dispicere, Cic. 3. perspĭcio, 3 (to see clearly): Cic.: v. to perceive.