perceptive

adjective

per·​cep·​tive pər-ˈsep-tiv 

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

(ˌ)pər-ˌsep-ˈti-və-tē 

noun

Synonyms

• sensitive
• keen
• quick
• acute

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for perceptive

• deceptive
• receptive
• contraceptive
• nociceptive
• proprioceptive

Kids Definition

perceptive

adjective

per·​cep·​tive pər-ˈsep-tiv 

: capable of or showing a keen ability to observe and understand

Medical Definition

perceptive

adjective

per·​cep·​tive pər-ˈsep-tiv 

: responsive to sensory stimulus

a perceptive eye

perceptively adverb

perceptiveness noun

perceptivity

(ˌ)pər-ˌsep-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

plural perceptivities