perceptible
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- nonperceptibility noun
- nonperceptible adjective
- nonperceptibleness noun
- nonperceptibly adverb
- perceptibility noun
- perceptibleness noun
- perceptibly adverb
- unperceptible adjective
- unperceptibleness noun
- unperceptibly adverb
Etymology
Origin of perceptible
From the Late Latin word perceptibilis, dating back to 1545–55. See percept, -ible
Explanation
Something perceptible is noticeable, even if just slightly. A perceptible noise can be heard. You perceive through your senses, and things that are perceptible can be perceived; you can sense them. A flavor is perceptible if you can taste it. A sound is perceptible if you can hear it. The opposite of perceptible is imperceptible, for things that can't be noticed or detected. If you notice a sound, sight, or change, then it must be perceptible.
Vocabulary lists containing perceptible
The Pearl
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Metamorphosis
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Jane Eyre
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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.
“Based on the current analysis of soil conditions, tunnel depths, and tunnel design,” the study found, “Metro predicts that noise and vibration from tunnel construction and subway operations would not be perceptible above the tunnels.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026
The mouth renders the verdict: a barely perceptible sneer.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 24, 2026
When Kotb joined “Today,” she brought a perceptible dose of passion to the show.
From Salon • Jan. 10, 2025
To human eyes, these movements are barely perceptible.
From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2024
At the same moment the stirring of the air became perceptible to them; and it grew very cold.
From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien
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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.