Main Entry: per·cep·ti·ble

Pronunciation: \pər-ˈsep-tə-bəl\

Function: adjective

Date: 1567

: capable of being perceived especially by the senses <a perceptible change in her tone> <a barely perceptible light>

— per·cep·ti·bil·i·ty \-ˌsep-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— per·cep·ti·bly \-blē\ adverb

synonyms perceptible, sensible, palpable, tangible, appreciable, ponderable mean apprehensible as real or existent. perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent <a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener>. sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind <an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature>. palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable <the tension in the air was almost palpable>. tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally <no tangible evidence of UFOs>. appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable <an appreciable increase in income>. ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance <exerted a ponderable influence on world events>.