Descry

Pronunciation: /dɪˈskraɪ/

Definitions of descry

verb to catch sight of; to discover or discern by careful observation

Example Sentences

A1 I can descry the outline of the mountain in the distance.

A2 From the lookout point, you can descry the entire city below.

B1 The detective tried to descry any clues that would lead to the suspect's whereabouts.

B2 With his keen eyesight, the eagle could descry a small mouse from high above.

C1 The expert could descry the subtle differences in the painting that indicated it was a forgery.

C2 The spy was trained to descry even the most well-hidden secrets of the enemy.

Examples of descry in a Sentence

formal It was difficult to descry the details of the painting from across the room.

informal I squinted my eyes trying to descry what was written on the tiny sign.

slang I couldn't descry what he was saying because he was mumbling so much.

figurative Through his poetic words, she could descry the depths of his emotions.

Grammatical Forms of descry

• past tense: descryed
• plural: descrys
• comparative: more descry
• superlative: most descry
• present tense: descry
• future tense: will descry
• perfect tense: have descryed
• continuous tense: is descrying
• singular: descry
• positive degree: descry
• infinitive: to descry
• gerund: descrying
• participle: descrying

Origin and Evolution of descry

First Known Use: 0014 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'descry' originated from Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'descrier' meaning to proclaim or cry out.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'descry' evolved to mean to catch sight of, to discover, or to discern something from a distance.