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 of perceptive

• 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

Your perceptive nature reads the room, so adapt tone and timing to land the message and keep momentum moving. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2026

While her mind might be nomadic, her eyes remain stubbornly with us, pausing and absorbing, perceptive. — Joseph Trinidad, Longreads, 16 June 2026

Your perceptive nature senses a family need, household issue, or emotional loose end that should be handled before bigger plans move forward. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026

Erin is deeply empathetic and highly perceptive — two qualities that don’t necessarily serve her well on Beechwood Island. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 June 2026

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