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  3. /cern

cern

Latin

Variants

cerncernere

Related Roots

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About This Root

From Latin cernere (to sift, separate, distinguish, decide). Produces words of perception and separation — discern (to distinguish clearly), discreet (carefully separated in judgment), discrete (individually separate), secret (set apart, hidden), and concern (to mix/sift together). The sifting metaphor underlies all: to judge is to separate wheat from chaff.

Associated Words

concern

To relate or belong to; to have reference to or connection with; to affect the interest of; to be of importance to; That which affects one’s welfare or happiness. A matter of interest to someone. The adposition before the matter of interest is usually over, about or for

NGSL 1kIELTSA2

concerned

Worried or anxious; involved or affected

TOEFLB1

concerning

Regarding; causing worry

TOEFLB2

discern

To perceive or distinguish something with the senses or mind

IELTSTOEFLGRE

discernible

Able to be perceived or distinguished

TOEFLGREC1

discernibly

In a way that can be noticed or recognized

C1

discerning

Having sharp judgment and perception; perceptive

TOEFLGREC1

discernment

The ability to judge and understand things clearly

C1

discreet

Careful and tactful, avoiding embarrassment or unwanted attention

IELTSTOEFLGRE

discreetly

In a careful, tactful way that avoids drawing attention

C2

discrete

Individually separate and distinct; not continuous

IELTSTOEFLGRE

discretely

As separate, distinct, and independent units

C2

discretion

Careful judgment and tact; freedom to decide as one sees fit

TOEFLGREA2

discretionary

Left to one's own judgment or choice

GREB2

excrement

Solid waste discharged from the body; feces

IELTSC2

excrete

To discharge waste from the body

GREC2

indiscernible

Impossible or very difficult to perceive or distinguish

C1

indiscreet

Lacking caution or good judgment in speech or behavior

C2

indiscreetly

Without caution or good judgment

C2

not-so-secret

Not truly hidden or confidential

secret

Information kept hidden from others; not known or revealed

NGSL 2kTOEFLA2

secretarial

Relating to the work of a secretary

A2

secretary

A person handling clerical work; the head of a government department

NGSL 2kIELTSA2

secrete

To produce and release a substance from a gland; to hide

TOEFLGREA2

secretion

A substance released by a gland; the process of releasing it

IELTSTOEFLA2

secretive

Tending to hide information or keep things secret

GREA2

secretly

In a hidden or covert manner

B1

super-secret

Extremely or highly secret