discern

/dɪˈsɜːn/verb

To notice or make something out with the senses, especially by sight.

Example sentence

“Through the fog we could just discern the outline of the lighthouse.”

Formal, and often about subtle things: discerning a pattern, a difference, someone's motives. The adjective 'discerning' means having good judgment or taste.

Related words

disciplineThe ability to control your own behavior; self-control.discardA placeholder variable that accepts a value you do not need and cannot be read again afterward.disciplinedTo train a person through teaching and repeated practice.disbandTo break up a group so that it stops existing, or to scatter its members.discloseTo open something up or unfasten it.disarmingTo take away someone's weapons, or their means of attacking or defending, leaving them defenseless.