Perceivable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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perceivable

[pərˈsiːvəbəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a sensory context

Capable of being perceived or recognized; able to be seen, heard, or felt by the senses.

Synonyms

detectable, discernible, observable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
perceivable	Repeat entry, same as the first definition. The artwork had hidden meanings that were only perceivable after close study
detectable	Refers to something that can be discovered or identified, often through scientific or technical means. The virus is detectable in the blood within days of infection
observable	Applies to something that can be seen or noticed directly, often referring to phenomena or behaviors. The phases of the moon are observable to the naked eye
discernible	Used to describe something that can be noticed or distinguished, usually through careful observation or analysis. There was a discernible difference in the performance of the team after the new coach joined

Examples of usage

The changes in the environment were barely perceivable.
The music was so soft that it was hardly perceivable.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in a cognitive context

Capable of being understood or comprehended; able to be grasped mentally.

Synonyms

accessible, comprehensible, intelligible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
perceivable	Use when referring to something that can be detected or noticed by the senses or the mind. The faint sound of music was barely perceivable through the thick walls. The changes in the landscape were perceivable to anyone who had lived there long.
comprehensible	Use when referring to something that can be understood or grasped mentally. The teacher explained the complex concept in a comprehensible manner. His speech was clear and comprehensible, even for those new to the topic.
intelligible	Use when referring to something that can be understood, especially spoken or written language. Despite the noise, her words were intelligible. He wrote in a clear and intelligible style, making his arguments easy to follow.
accessible	Use when referring to something that can be easily reached, used, or understood by people. The museum has made its exhibits accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities. The information on the website is accessible to everyone, regardless of technical ability.

Examples of usage

The concept was too complex to be easily perceivable by the students.
Her emotions were not easily perceivable by others.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Cognitive psychology studies how humans process perceivable information, starting from sensory input to understanding complex concepts.
Not all stimuli are equally perceivable; factors like attention, motivation, and prior knowledge influence what we notice.
The process of perception is not just about physical senses but also involves interpretation, meaning that even sounds we hear can be understood differently based on context.

Philosophy

Philosophers debate what is considered perceivable, questioning whether abstract concepts, like love or justice, are perceivable in the same way physical objects are.
Immanuel Kant differentiated between noumena (things-in-themselves) which may be beyond our perceivable experience, and phenomena (things as they appear to us).
David Hume suggested that our understanding of the world is limited to what we can perceive, emphasizing the subjective nature of experience.

Art

Artists often play with what is perceivable to challenge viewers’ expectations, such as using optical illusions or abstract forms.
In visual arts, the perceivable elements like color, line, and shape convey emotions and narratives, influencing how art is interpreted.
Many contemporary artists encourage audiences to engage with their work actively, making perception a key part of the experience.

Media and Technology

In user experience design, creating interfaces that are easily perceivable can significantly enhance user satisfaction and accessibility.
Augmented reality (AR) technology enhances what is perceivable in our environment by overlaying digital content onto the real world.
Sound design in movies and video games aims to create perceivable audio cues that guide audience emotions and reactions, influencing how stories are experienced.

Origin of 'perceivable'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'perceptibilis', which means 'able to be perceived'.
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, reflecting the importance of sensory experience in understanding the world.
The root word 'perceive' also derives from Latin, combining 'per-', meaning 'through', and 'capere', meaning 'to seize' or 'to take'.

The word 'perceivable' is derived from the verb 'perceive', which comes from the Latin word 'percipere', meaning 'to take in, gather, seize'. The concept of perception has been studied by philosophers and psychologists for centuries, exploring how we perceive the world around us through our senses and cognitive processes.