Discernible Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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discernible

[dɪˈsɜːnəbl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

quality of being able to be perceived or recognized

Capable of being perceived or recognized; distinguishable.

Synonyms

apparent, detectable, perceptible, visible.

Examples of usage

  • The sound was barely discernible over the loud music.
  • His face was barely discernible in the dark.
  • The differences between the two paintings were discernible upon close inspection.
Context #2 | Adjective

able to be distinguished or understood

Able to be distinguished; distinguishable.

Synonyms

clear, distinguishable, evident, recognizable.

Examples of usage

  • There was a discernible improvement in his performance.
  • The subtle nuances in her writing were not discernible to everyone.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In cognitive psychology, discernibility relates to how easily individuals can differentiate between stimuli, influencing our perception.
  • People often rely on discernible traits to make quick judgments about others, showcasing our innate ability to recognize patterns.
  • Research suggests that subtle discernible cues in behavior can significantly affect interpersonal communication and understanding.

Art and Literature

  • In literature, discernible themes can reveal deeper meanings in a story, aiding readers in grasping the author's intent.
  • Artists use discernible colors and shapes to create visual narratives, enhancing the emotional impact of their work.
  • Art critiques often focus on what is discernible within a piece, interpreting elements that may not be immediately obvious to the casual viewer.

Technology

  • In the tech world, discernible differences in website designs can affect user experience, making navigation easier or harder.
  • Machine learning models are designed to detect discernible patterns within data, allowing for improved predictions.
  • User interface designers ensure that important features are discernible to enhance accessibility and usability for all users.

Origin of 'discernible'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'discernere', which means 'to separate' or 'to distinguish'.
  • It was introduced into English in the early 17th century, highlighting its long-standing usage in the language.
  • The prefix 'dis-' often means 'apart' and 'cernere' means 'to sift', together implying a process of separating things to understand them better.

The word 'discernible' originates from the Latin word 'discernere', meaning 'to separate or distinguish'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 15th century. Over time, 'discernible' has come to be used to describe something that can be perceived, recognized, or understood with clarity.


See also: discern, discernibly, discerning, discerningly, discernment, indiscernible.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,848, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.