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

By day, the summer heat hammers hard and the dull whistle of the wind is the only discernible noise.

From Los Angeles Times

The reality is that even though there are no discernible improvements in Rangers under Martin - not even scraps - he will get more opportunity to rebuild the team.

From BBC

The British Holiday and Homes Park Association said there had been "a discernible shift away from week-long and fortnight-long holidays which has been evident for the past few years".

From BBC

Barely discernible in the May gloom, a glint of purple shone from the jacaranda’s canopy; nearby, seed pods dotted patches of green.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s a discernible pattern here that I don’t claim to understand, although I'm afraid the most likely explanation can be summed up with the words “military-industrial complex.”

From Salon

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.