discernible
Americanadjective
adjective
Usage
What does discernible mean? Discernible means able to be recognized, identified, or distinguished. If two things are described as discernible, it means they can be told apart.The verb discern means to recognize small details, accurately tell the difference between similar things, and make intelligent judgements by using such observations.Discernible is sometimes spelled as discernable. A close synonym is distinguishable.Discernible is especially used with the word difference, as in There is no discernable difference between these two things. The ability to discern or the process of doing so is called discernment, as in Only through careful discernment are these two parts discernible.Discernible means able to be discerned—not able to discern. The word for that is discerning, which can describe someone who has the ability to discern or such an ability, as in Most chefs have a very discerning palate. Example: These two scents may smell identical to the average person, but they are discernible to an experienced perfumer.
Other Word Forms
- discernableness noun
- discernably adverb
- discernibleness noun
- discernibly adverb
- undiscernable adjective
- undiscernably adverb
- undiscernible adjective
- undiscernibly adverb
Etymology
Origin of discernible
1555–65; < Latin discernibilis ( discern, -ible ); replacing earlier discernable < Middle French, equivalent to discern ( er ) to discern + -able -able
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The book’s 47 staccato chapters jump from one subject to another without much of a discernible pattern.
Fortunately when Jay suggests that his character wear an eyepatch—for no discernible reason—Leigh is saved from having to discuss the issue by the arrival of Ruth.
No Triple Crown, no hope of winning the Six Nations title, no end to their hideous run of defeats against Ireland - now standing at 12 and with no discernible sign of it stopping there.
From BBC
Many of these destinations are safe for visiting Americans and boast modern health industries, police and security services, or have no discernible criminal enterprises.
From Salon
Analysts have said that it is difficult for the world’s most populous country to cut its Russian crude purchases to zero, but even a modest reduction could have a discernible effect on Moscow.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
