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Perceptibly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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perceptibly

[pəˈsɛptɪbli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a noticeable way

Perceptibly means in a way that is noticeable or able to be perceived. It is used to describe a change, action, or occurrence that is easily observed or felt.

Synonyms

apparently, clearly, discernibly, noticeably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
perceptibly

When you want to indicate something that can be detected or noticed by the senses or the mind, often with a slight change.

  • The temperature dropped perceptibly after the sun set
  • His mood had changed perceptibly over the past few days
noticeably

When highlighting something that catches attention easily and is significant or stands out.

  • He was noticeably nervous before the interview
  • The room became noticeably quieter when she entered
clearly

When you want to describe something that is easy to see, hear, or understand, without any confusion.

  • She spoke so clearly that everyone could follow
  • It's clearly written in the policy that refunds are not allowed
discernibly

When referring to something that can be seen or understood with effort or attention, though it might not be immediately obvious.

  • The two twins are discernibly different once you get to know them
  • Her expression changed discernibly when she heard the news
apparently

When discussing something that seems to be true based on what you have observed or heard, but without complete certainty.

  • Apparently, the meeting has been rescheduled
  • She is apparently going to be the new manager

Examples of usage

  • The temperature dropped perceptibly as the sun began to set.
  • Her mood changed perceptibly when she received the good news.
  • The music grew louder perceptibly, causing everyone to stop and listen.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In perception psychology, the threshold at which a stimulus is noticed is known as the 'just noticeable difference'.
  • Cognitive biases can affect how perceptibly we notice changes, often making us miss subtle details.
  • Human senses vary in sensitivity; for example, some people are more perceptibly aware of colors, while others may notice sounds more easily.

Science

  • In atmospheric science, changes in temperature or air pressure can be perceptibly felt, indicating a weather change.
  • Perceptibility is crucial in fields like acoustics, affecting how sound waves are interpreted by the ear.
  • The phenomenon called the 'Weber-Fechner Law' explains how perceptibly we differentiate stimuli based on their intensity.

Literature

  • The concept of perception plays a central role in modern literature, often exploring characters' inner thoughts and feelings.
  • In poetry, the perceptibly nuanced choice of words can evoke strong emotions and imagery.
  • Famous authors like Virginia Woolf use perceptible shifts in narrative to highlight character transformations.

Arts

  • In visual arts, perceptibly different brush strokes can create depth and perspective in paintings.
  • Film directors use perceptible changes in lighting to influence the mood and tone of a scene.
  • Music relies on perceptible rhythms and tones; even slight changes can shift a listener's emotional experience.

Origin of 'perceptibly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'perceptibilis', meaning 'able to be perceived'.
  • The prefix 'per-' suggests thoroughness, while 'cept' comes from 'capere', meaning 'to seize' or 'to take'.
  • The suffix '-ly' is often used to turn adjectives into adverbs, showing how something is done.

The word 'perceptibly' is derived from the adjective 'perceptible,' which comes from the Latin word 'perceptibilis,' meaning 'that which can be perceived.' It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century and has since been used to describe changes or actions that are easily noticed or felt.

See also: misperceive, perceivable, perceive, perceived, perceiving, perception, perceptions, perceptive, perceptiveness, perceptual, unperceived.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,534, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.