discernible

Or dis·cern·a·ble

[dih-sur-nuh-buhl, -zur-]

adjective

1. capable of being discerned; distinguishable.

discernible

/ dɪˈsɜːnəbəl /

adjective

1. able to be discerned; perceptible

Other Word Forms

• discernibleness noun
• discernableness noun
• discernibly adverb
• discernably adverb
• undiscernable adjective
• undiscernably adverb
• undiscernible adjective
• undiscernibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of discernible¹

1555–65; < Latin discernibilis ( discern, -ible ); replacing earlier discernable < Middle French, equivalent to discern ( er ) to discern + -able -able

Related Words

• apparent 
• appreciable 
• audible 
• detectable www.thesaurus.com
• distinguishable 
• noticeable 
• observable 
• obvious 
• palpable 
• perceptible 
• visible 

When To Use

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.