What does "decern" mean?
To decide or determine (a matter disputed or doubtful), with simple object, with infinitive or object clause, or intransitive.
Decern
/dɪˈsɝn/ verb
verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To decide or determine (a matter disputed or doubtful), with simple object, with infinitive or object clause, or intransitive.
- Grammar: decern is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: see, spot.
- Usage evidence: He purſued Andrew Houſtoun upon his promiſe, to give him the like Sallary for the next year, and in abſence obtained him to be holden as confeſt and Decerned.
How to use "decern"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "decern" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "decern" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "decern" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "decern" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "decern" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "see" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To decide or determine (a matter disputed or doubtful), with simple object, with infinitive or object clause, or intransitive. obsolete, transitive
- 2 To decree (something) by judicial sentence.; To decree by judicial sentence that something be done. intransitive, sometimes, transitive
- 3 To decree (something) by judicial sentence.; To decree a person etc. to be or to do something by judicial sentence. (in the phrase “to decern in”, obsolete) To mulct in by decree of court. intransitive, sometimes, transitive
"He purſued Andrew Houſtoun upon his promiſe, to give him the like Sallary for the next year, and in abſence obtained him to be holden as confeſt and Decerned."
- 4 To discern; to distinguish or separate by differences (things that differ, or one thing from another). obsolete, transitive
- 5 To discern; to distinguish or separate by differences (things that differ, or one thing from another).; To distinguish; to discriminate between. intransitive, obsolete, transitive
Show 1 more definition
- 6 To see distinctly (with the eyes or the mind); distinguish (an object or fact); discern.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"He purſued Andrew Houſtoun upon his promiſe, to give him the like Sallary for the next year, and in abſence obtained him to be holden as confeſt and Decerned."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "decern"?
Common synonyms include: see, spot.
How do you use "decern" in a sentence?
He purſued Andrew Houſtoun upon his promiſe, to give him the like Sallary for the next year, and in abſence obtained him to be holden as confeſt and Decerned.
How do you pronounce "decern"?
Pronounced /dɪˈsɝn/.
Etymology
First attested in late Middle English circa 1425; from the French décerner, from the Latin dēcernō (“I decide, pronounce a decision”), from dē (“of, from, away from”) + cernō (“I separate, distinguish”), whence the English cern. In Old French, the forms of décerner were frequently conflated with those of descerner, discerner; the two verbs were not clearly distinguished until the 16th century; hence, in English also, decern is found with the sense discern.