Descry
Verb
Definition: To catch sight of or see something in the distance.
Synonyms: Spot, Perceive, Detect
Antonyms: Overlook, Miss
- From a distance, she was able to descry the sailboat on the horizon.
- "Descry" can be thought of as "discovering" or "scrying" something in the distance.
Etymology:
Middle English, from Old French "descrier", from Latin "describere" (to describe).
Historical Usage:The word has been in use since Middle English and has retained its primary meaning of perceiving or catching sight of something.
Related Idioms:
"Descry in the distance"
Explanation:Refers to the act of seeing or perceiving something that is far away, often used metaphorically to describe gaining insight or understanding about something that was previously unclear or hidden.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "descry" with "decry".
Explanation:"Descry" means to perceive or catch sight of something, while "decry" means to publicly denounce or criticize something. These two words have different meanings and should not be confused.