perceptive

adjective

per·​cep·​tive pər-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce perceptive (audio)
1
: responsive to sensory stimuli : discerning
a perceptive eye
2
a
: capable of or exhibiting keen perception : observant
a perceptive scholar
b
: characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight
perceptively adverb
perceptiveness noun
perceptivity noun

Examples of perceptive in a Sentence

He is a very perceptive young man. due to their ability to rotate their ears, cats are very perceptive when it comes to pinpointing the source of a sound
Recent Examples on the Web Consumers are very perceptive, and this can lead to audience alienation. Emily Reynolds Bergh, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 While resilient and perceptive, Scorpios are natural investigators, always searching for the truth beneath the surface. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024 Gordon was a sharp, snarky, perceptive, occasionally judgmental but morally sound voice on the music, the business and the people — and judgment was certainly necessary. Jem Aswad, Variety, 3 Oct. 2024 Jacobs gives these three crackling, perceptive actors plenty to work with and then steps back to capture their workaday magic. Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perceptive 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perceptive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perceptive was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near perceptive

Cite this Entry

“Perceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perceptive. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

perceptive

adjective
per·​cep·​tive pər-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce perceptive (audio)
: capable of or showing a keen ability to observe and understand

Medical Definition

perceptive

adjective
per·​cep·​tive pər-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce perceptive (audio)
: responsive to sensory stimulus
a perceptive eye
perceptively adverb
perceptiveness noun
perceptivity noun
plural perceptivities

More from Merriam-Webster on perceptive

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