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

• discernibly adverb
• discernibleness noun
• discernableness noun
• 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

Example Sentences

These still are damaging costs that come with no discernible climate impact.

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The orchestral writing, nicely handled by conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, can be colorful, though the ominous Wagner tubas become predictable after a while and the electronica for which Mr. Bates is best known is barely discernible.

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Many pharma and biotech pipelines may be undervalued, just as the shares of many health insurers and medical device makers may be closer to a bottom than any discernible top.

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Dawn is as skin-deep as it gets, a character with no discernible motives and a frustrating absence of realism in a film that’s desperately aiming for authenticity.

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Yet, a decade after, the numbers showed that all the millions spent, facilities built and sudden handball enthusiasm generated, did not translate into any discernible rise in people taking part in sport.

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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.