Descry: meaning, definitions and examples

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descry

 

[ dษช'skraษช ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

literary usage

To descry means to catch sight of something, especially something that is not easily visible. It is often used in a more literary or old-fashioned context to describe the act of discerning or detecting something from a distance or through obscured visibility. The term emphasizes the effort involved in spotting or identifying the object or detail, often implying a sense of discovery or revelation. It can convey a sense of alertness and keen observation.

Synonyms

detect, discern, perceive, spot.

Examples of usage

  • As I climbed the hill, I could descry the village nestled in the valley.
  • With a telescope, sailors could descry ships approaching from afar.
  • He squinted into the fog, trying to descry any signs of life.
  • In the distance, I could descry the outline of the mountains.

Translations

Translations of the word "descry" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น descrever

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเคฟเคตเคฐเคฃ เคฆเฅ‡เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช beschreiben

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ menjelaskan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพะฟะธััƒะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ opisaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ชฌๆ˜Žใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dรฉcrire

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ describir

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tanฤฑmlamak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ค๋ช…ํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุตู

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ popisovat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ opisovaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ่ฟฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ opisati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lรฝsa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะธะฟะฐั‚ั‚ะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒฆแƒฌแƒ”แƒ แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tษ™svir etmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ describir

Etymology

The word 'descry' originates from the Middle English term 'descrien', which meant 'to describe' or 'to make known' and is linked to the Old French 'descrier', meaning 'to proclaim'. The root can be traced further back to the Latin 'describere', which means 'to write down' or 'to depict'. Historically, 'descry' has been used in literature and poetry to evoke the act of spotting or revealing something that might not be immediately apparent. Its usage declined over time, but it retains a literary charm and is often seen in classic texts. The prefix 'de-' indicates a removal or reversal, while 'cry' relates to seeing or calling out, creating a fascinating blend in meaning that highlights the nuances of discovery and perception.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,923 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.