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

One large stone had a few cut marks but no discernible letters. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025

Audio Descriptions are audible narrations of scene changes that would not be otherwise discernible through the regular dialog. —PCMAG, 13 Jan. 2025

This abrupt party switch with no discernible change in philosophy is an insult to her supporters. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2025

Some memory of that quieter time was also discernible at my hotel, an approximately 30-minute walk away. —Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2024

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