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Herlinde
Exact meaning of "The exhibit is arranged in no important order that the viewer can discern"?
Does it mean that the exhibit is in some kind of order, but it doesn't seem important? Or is there no order at all?
This structure baffles me.
(this is an example from an online dictionary for the verb 'to discern', there is no context)
22 nov. 2012 12:56
Antwoorden · 6
2
It means that it is impossible for the viewer to figure out the order of the exhibit. The exhibit is so mixed together that it is hard to make a connection from piece to piece to figure out an order.
22 november 2012
1
"The exhibit is arranged in no important order that the viewer can discern"?
A synonym for DISCERN here would be "FIGURE OUT" or "TELL"
[ "TELL" in the sense of "I can't tell what's going on" or "I can't tell what she is thinking" ]
So, your sentence means...
It's hard to tell (discern, figure out) if this exhibit has an organization or structure.
The exhibit doesn't seem to be in any discernible (adj) order.
I can't figure out (discern) what the system is for this exhibit, or if there even *is* a system.
I'm sure you're aware of this, but just to clarify the context -- it's my experience that exhibits have a number system, and similar exhibitors are grouped together so people can make sense out what's going on. For your sentence, it sounds like the exhibit is random -- there is no system or organization -- or, if there is a system, the speaker/writer can't figure out what it is.
22 november 2012
To discern can mean to figure out or work out something, for example, to explain why something has been done in a certain way. It can also mean that someone is a discerning person, to say they have high standards for things, for example, this antique is in good condition and has good provenance and would therefore be of interest to a discerning buyer.
I'm not a teacher nor even an expert in my own language but I hope it helps you.
26 juni 2013
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Herlinde
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Japans
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