descry
UK: dɪˈskraɪ | US: dɪˈskraɪ
vt. to catch sight of something distant or obscure
vt. to discover or discern something through careful observation
descry = de<down, thoroughly> + scry<to see>
- de: A Latin prefix meaning "down" or "thoroughly," often intensifying the root's meaning.
- scry: Derived from Old French escrier (to cry out, proclaim), later influenced by descrier (to announce, reveal). The root traces back to Latin ex- (out) + quiritare (to call for help), evolving into the sense of "seeing" in Middle English, especially in divination contexts ("scrying" a crystal ball).
Etymology Origin:
Originally, descry meant "to proclaim" or "announce" (from Old French descrier), but its meaning shifted to "discover by sight" in the 14th century, influenced by the verb scry (to see dimly). The prefix de- added emphasis, turning it into an act of keen observation—spotting something hidden or distant. The word’s evolution mirrors the transition from vocal proclamation to visual discovery.
The sailor descried land on the horizon after weeks at sea.
Through the fog, she could barely descry the outline of a castle.
Archaeologists descried faint carvings on the ancient wall.
His sharp eyes descried the eagle perched high in the tree.
The telescope helped astronomers descry distant galaxies.