discern between (someone or something) and (someone or something)

discern between (someone or something) and (someone or something)

To recognize the differences between people or things. I have a hard time discerning between Jim and Greg, but they are identical twins after all. You can discern between hydrangea and phlox by looking at their leaves. In certain lighting, I have a really hard time discerning between dark purple and navy blue.

See also: and, between, discern

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

discern between someone or something and someone or something

to detect the difference between people and things. I cannot discern between the dark trees and the dark sky behind them. I cannot discern between the person and the background.

See also: and, between, discern

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.