discernible

adjective

dis·​cern·​ible di-ˈsər-nə-bəl 

-ˈzər-

variants or less commonly discernable

: able to be perceived by a sense (such as sight or smell) or by the mind : capable of being discerned

a discernible difference

It is thought that the genes that normally produce a white underbelly in the gray squirrel are active in a wider area of their bodies, often leaving discernible gray patches on the spine and head.

—C. Claiborne Ray

Downpours are a near-daily occurrence throughout the year, and there are few discernible changes of season. Sunlight, warmth, and moisture are constants.

—Scott Wallace

discernibly

di-ˈsər-nə-blē 

-ˈzər-

adverb

or less commonly discernably

a discernibly better product

two materials that are not discernibly different

When a recipe says to brown the meat, it is calling for a deep brown sear and a discernibly thick crust on all sides …

—Cook's Illustrated

Synonyms

• appreciable
• apprehensible
• detectable
• distinguishable
• palpable
• perceptible
• sensible

Examples of discernible in a Sentence

discernible differences in the two authors' writing styles

Recent Examples on the Web

Not that the plan is to change — with the subsequent vast squad turnover that follows to no discernible improvement — every two or three years. —Andy Mitten, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025

In this instance, though, the graves were not linked by religion, ethnicity or any other discernible personal characteristic of the deceased, Mr. Hoerauf said. —Lynsey Chutel, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

Some of them are pure awful, but others have discernible hints of genius lost amidst all the narrative rubble and CGI noise. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2025

In the pub, the one discernible truth remains the truth of gender: what men have in common is women. —Rachel Cusk, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

discernible borrowed from Late Latin discernibilis, from Latin discernere "to separate, divide off, distinguish, discern" + -ibilis -ible; discernable from discern + -able, after Late Latin discernibilis

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for discernible

• discernable
• returnable
• indiscernible