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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mute since birth, Henry is intelligent, perceptive, and humorous, relying on his siblings as his intermediaries to help navigate the world. Denise Petski, Deadline, 1 July 2025 Yet this stark look at inner-city life found his perceptive powers, while darker, to be as deep as ever. Jem Aswad, Variety, 9 June 2025 The point is not that Serling is a bad judge of equine athletes; Serling is a very perceptive analyst and broadcaster. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025 Our perceptive, chronically online shopping editors predicted this trend a few months ago, and, by now, there’s no shortage of inspiration for the taking on how to elevate the looks of your everyday sneakers vis-à-vis baubles, lace clips, chains, pom poms, and other decorations. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for perceptive

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perceptive was in 1652

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Cite this Entry

“Perceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perceptive. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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