Perceptible: meaning, definitions and examples

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perceptible

[pəˈsɛptɪb(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

barely noticeable

Able to be seen or noticed, although not very easily or very clearly.

Synonyms

detectable, discernible, noticeable, visible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
perceptible	Used when referring to something that can be perceived or noticed, but not necessarily easily. Often applied in a broader context where the degree of perception varies. The slight tremor was barely perceptible. There was a perceptible change in her mood.
detectable	Appropriate in situations where something can be discovered or identified, often with the help of instruments or tools. The virus is detectable with a blood test. There are no detectable signs of gas leakage.
discernible	Best used when something can be distinctly recognized or differentiated from other things. Often emphasizes clarity and distinction. There was a discernible difference in their accents. Her talent was easily discernible from a young age.
noticeable	Used when something can be observed easily and stands out. Often relates to immediate and obvious perception. There is a noticeable improvement in your work. The stain on the shirt was very noticeable.
visible	Relevant to situations where something can be seen with the naked eye, usually without any assistance. The mountains are visible from our window. Make sure the sign is clearly visible.

Examples of usage

It was a perceptible change in her attitude towards him.
There was a perceptible tension in the air.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

capable of being perceived by the senses

Able to be perceived by the senses or the mind.

Synonyms

apparent, discernible, observable, tangible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
perceptible	Used when something can be noticed or felt, especially when the change or difference is slight. The increase in temperature was barely perceptible. Her frustration was perceptible in her tone.
apparent	Used when something is clearly visible or understood; often used to describe something that seems to be true based on evidence. It was apparent that he was not happy with the decision. The cause of the accident became apparent after an investigation.
observable	Used when something can be seen or noticed, especially something that can be detected by scientific methods or careful study. The changes in the ecosystem were observable over the course of several years. There was an observable improvement in his behavior.
discernible	Used when something can be perceived with difficulty, often requiring careful observation or analysis. There was no discernible difference between the two options. His emotions were barely discernible through his calm exterior.
tangible	Used when something is clear, definite, and able to be touched or felt; often used to describe physical objects or clear evidence. She received tangible benefits from the new policy. The tension in the room was almost tangible.

Examples of usage

The smell of fresh bread was perceptible as soon as we entered the bakery.
There was a perceptible hum of machinery in the distance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

'Perceptible' comes from the Latin word 'perceptibilis,' meaning 'able to be grasped or sensed.'
The root 'percept-' relates to 'perception,' which is how we become aware of things using our senses.
The word began to be used in English in the late 15th century, showing its longstanding importance in understanding.
It can be broken down into 'per-' meaning 'through' and 'capere' meaning 'to seize or grasp.'

Science

In psychology, perceptible stimuli can influence behaviors and decisions, even when individuals are unaware of it.
Research shows that our brains are very skilled at detecting subtle changes in our environment, demonstrating the importance of perceptible cues.
In sensory perception, thresholds determine what is perceptible; stimuli must reach a certain level for us to notice them.

Literature

Authors often use perceptible details to create vivid imagery, helping readers feel present in a scene.
In poetry, what is perceptible in the natural world often reflects deeper emotional themes, enhancing the overall message.
Classic literature employs perceptible traits of characters to highlight their personalities and growth throughout their stories.

Art

Artists rely on perceptible differences in color, light, and texture to provoke emotions and convey messages.
Impressionist painters focus on capturing perceptible moments in time, emphasizing the transient effects of light.
In sculpture, the perceptible forms and shapes create a tactile experience that invites viewers to engage with the artwork.

Philosophy

Philosophers explore the concept of reality by questioning what is perceptible versus what is merely believed to exist.
The 'perceptible world' is often contrasted with the 'intelligible world,' highlighting different ways of knowing and understanding.
Some thinkers argue that only what is perceptible can be truly known, emphasizing the limits of human cognition.

Translations

Translations of the word "perceptible" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perceptível

🇮🇳 सुगम्य

🇩🇪 wahrnehmbar

🇮🇩 terlihat

🇺🇦 відчутний

🇵🇱 zauważalny

🇯🇵 知覚できる

🇫🇷 perceptible

🇪🇸 perceptible

🇹🇷 algılanabilir

🇰🇷 인지할 수 있는

🇸🇦 ملموس

🇨🇿 vnímatelný

🇸🇰 vnímateľný

🇨🇳 可察觉的

🇸🇮 opazen

🇮🇸 skynjanlegur

🇰🇿 сезілетін

🇬🇪 შესამჩნევი

🇦🇿 hiss edilən

🇲🇽 perceptible

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,943, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10940 apprentices
10941 causation
10942 resale
10943 perceptible
10944 shuttle
10945 servers
10946 flavour
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