Descry: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ญ
descry
[ dษช'skraษช ]
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:
๐ต๐น descrever
๐ฎ๐ณ เคตเคฟเคตเคฐเคฃ เคฆเฅเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช beschreiben
๐ฎ๐ฉ menjelaskan
๐บ๐ฆ ะพะฟะธััะฒะฐัะธ
๐ต๐ฑ opisaฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ่ชฌๆใใ
๐ซ๐ท dรฉcrire
๐ช๐ธ describir
๐น๐ท tanฤฑmlamak
๐ฐ๐ท ์ค๋ช ํ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุตู
๐จ๐ฟ popisovat
๐ธ๐ฐ opisovaลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ๆ่ฟฐ
๐ธ๐ฎ opisati
๐ฎ๐ธ lรฝsa
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะธะฟะฐััะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแฆแฌแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ tษsvir etmษk
๐ฒ๐ฝ describir
Word origin
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.