Perceptible Meaning and Definition
Perceptible
Pronunciation
/pərˈsɛptɪbəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A thing that can be consciously detected or recognized through the senses, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell.
Examples
- The sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies is perceptible from a distance.
- The soft glow of the full moon is perceptible on a clear night.
- The faint hum of the motor is perceptible only when you focus on it.
- The taste of the subtle spices is perceptible in the dish.
- The soft rustling of the leaves is perceptible in the silent forest.
Etymology
The word “perceptible” comes from the Latin “perceptibilis”, which means “able to be perceived” or “cognizable”. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century.
Usage Notes
Perceptible is often used to describe something that is detectable, but not necessarily loud or striking. For example, “The hint of coffee in the background was perceptible, but not overpowering.”.
Cultural References
- In the film “The 5th Wave”, the protagonist Cassie describes the sound of a bird’s call as “perceptible”.
- In the novel “The Perceptible City” by Steve Good, the author explores the concept of perceptibility in urban environments.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- On the radar – This phrase is used to describe something that is becoming increasingly perceptible or noticeable.
Related Words or Phrases
- Sensible
- Apprehensible
- Comprehensible
Collocations
- Perceptible to someone’s ears
- Perceptible to the naked eye
Frequency of Use
Perceptible is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but its usage is increasing as people seek to describe subtle or intangible phenomena.
Common Misspellings
- Perceivable
- Perceible