verb

decern

Decern (verb) means to decide or determine (a matter disputed or doubtful), with simple object, with infinitive or object clause, or intransitive.

verb

To decide or determine (a matter disputed or doubtful), with simple object, with infinitive or object clause, or intransitive.

To decree (something) by judicial sentence.

To decree by judicial sentence that something be done.

To decree a person etc. to be or to do something by judicial sentence. (in the phrase “to decern in”, obsolete) To mulct in by decree of court.

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “decern” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Etymology

First attested in late Middle English circa 1425; from the French décerner, from the Latin dēcernō (“to decide, pronounce a decision”), from dē (“of, from, away from”) + cernō (“to separate, distinguish”), whence the English cern. In Old French, the forms of décerner were frequently conflated with those of descerner, discerner; the two verbs were not clearly distinguished until the 16th century; hence, in English also, decern is found with the sense discern.

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of decern?

"decern" (verb) means to decide or determine (a matter disputed or doubtful), with simple object, with infinitive or object clause, or intransitive.

What are the different meanings of decern?

"decern" has 3 main meanings: 1. To decide or determine (a matter disputed or doubtful), with simple object, with infinitive or object clause, or intransitive; 2. To decree (something) by judicial sentence; 3. To decree by judicial sentence that something be done.