appreciable

adjective

ap·​pre·​cia·​ble ə-ˈprē-shə-bəl  -ˈpri-sh(ē-)ə-bəl 

: capable of being perceived or measured

no appreciable difference

appreciably

ə-ˈprē-shə-blē 

-ˈpri-sh(ē-)ə-blē

adverb

Did you know?

Appreciable, like the verb appreciate, comes from the Late Latin verb appretiare ("to appraise" or "to put a price on"). It is one of several English adjectives that can be applied to something that can be detected, felt, or measured. Specifically, appreciable applies to what is highly noticeable or definitely measurable, whereas perceptible, which is often paired with barely or scarcely, applies to what can be discerned to a minimal extent. Sensible refers to something that is clearly perceived; a sensible difference in someone's expression is easily detected. Palpable applies to something that, if it doesn't have actual physical substance, is nevertheless quite noticeable via the senses ("a palpable chill in the air"). Tangible is used for something capable of being handled or grasped, either physically or mentally ("tangible evidence").

Synonyms

• apprehensible
• detectable
• discernible
• discernable
• distinguishable
• palpable
• perceptible
• sensible

Choose the Right Synonym for appreciable

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

Examples of appreciable in a Sentence

there doesn't seem to be any appreciable difference between this piece and that one

Recent Examples on the Web

Callahan’s baritone vocals receive a pleasant blend of low-mid richness and high-mid detail, while the acoustic strums get appreciable high-mid clarity. —PCMAG, 21 Apr. 2024

Coincidentally, most keto supplements contain an appreciable quantity of BHB. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

appreciable

adjective

ap·​pre·​cia·​ble ə-ˈprē-shə-bəl  ə-ˈprish(-ē)-ə-bəl 

: large enough to be noticed or measured

no appreciable difference

appreciably

-blē 

adverb