discernible

adjective

dis·​cern·​ible di-ˈsər-nə-bəl How to pronounce discernible (audio)
-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
Judging by the food one samples around the U.S., there is little difference in the performance of male and female chefs discernable to the eye or palate.Mimi Sheraton
discernibly 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

Examples of discernible in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Bloomberg/Getty Images While there was no discernible theme on the right of the aisle, a number of Democratic congresswomen dressed in white. Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2024 More screen area means small text gets just a bit more readable and small details become more discernible on the new screen, decreasing the need to squint or hold the unit closer to your face. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 14 Nov. 2023 For some historians the holiday has lost all discernible meaning. Ben Finley, Quartz, 18 Feb. 2024 The medications and ambulatory equipment in her home, along with the sorrow discernible beneath her acerbic demeanor, indicate that her sister has died recently and perhaps that Lia made a promise to find her missing daughter. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2024 The Ravens offense seemed to lack a discernible game plan. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 29 Jan. 2024 Working groups established in the House to find common ground eventually disintegrated, leaving only two discernible factions in their wake: One, which believes the FBI should apply for warrants before accessing US calls, texts, and emails intercepted by US spies. Dell Cameron, WIRED, 12 Feb. 2024 The pen is exceptionally accurate, with no discernible parallax issues. PCMAG, 26 Jan. 2024 Lines of trucks snaked around in no discernible pattern. Malia Wollan, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2024

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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of discernible was in 1561

Dictionary Entries Near discernible

Cite this Entry

“Discernible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discernible. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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