descry
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪˈskraɪ/
KK: /dɪˈskraɪ/
noun
Definition
A sighting or discovery made from a distance, often used to describe the act of seeing something that is not immediately visible.
Example
The sailor was able to descry land on the horizon after many days at sea.
Conversation
Did you see that amazing descry of the mountains from the lookout point?
Yes! It was such a breathtaking view, I couldn't believe my eyes.
I felt like we were on top of the world up there!
Absolutely, that descry will stay with me forever.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sight
view
glimpse
Antonyms
obscurity
ignorance
blindness
transitive verb
Definition
To see or find something that is hard to notice or detect, often after careful observation.
Example
From the top of the hill, we could descry the distant village.
Tense Forms
Past: descried
Past Participle: descried
Conversation
Did you manage to descry anything interesting on our hike yesterday?
Yeah, I saw a rare bird, but it was hard to spot!
That's awesome! I wish I could have descry more wildlife like that.
Root Explanation
Descry is derived from the Old French 'descrier' (meaning to cry out or proclaim) and the prefix 'de-' (meaning down or away). The word originally referred to the act of proclaiming or calling out from a distance, particularly in the context of spotting or discovering something.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone 'crying out' ('descrier') to announce something they see from afar — that's how descry means to discover or spot something.
Visually Confused Words
decry
decury
scry