discernible

adjective

dis·​cern·​ible di-ˈsər-nə-bəl 

-ˈzər-

variants or less commonly discernable

: able to be perceived by a sense (such as sight or smell) or by the mind : capable of being discerned

a discernible difference

It is thought that the genes that normally produce a white underbelly in the gray squirrel are active in a wider area of their bodies, often leaving discernible gray patches on the spine and head.

—C. Claiborne Ray

Downpours are a near-daily occurrence throughout the year, and there are few discernible changes of season. Sunlight, warmth, and moisture are constants.

—Scott Wallace

discernibly

di-ˈsər-nə-blē 

-ˈzər-

adverb

or less commonly discernably

a discernibly better product

two materials that are not discernibly different

When a recipe says to brown the meat, it is calling for a deep brown sear and a discernibly thick crust on all sides …

—Cook's Illustrated

Synonyms

• distinguishable
• perceptible
• noticeable

Examples of discernible in a Sentence

discernible differences in the two authors' writing styles

Recent Examples on the Web

In this case, the far wall is discernible, if only barely. —Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2025

When high frame rate was used by the likes of Peter Jackson (The Hobbit Trilogy) and Ang Lee (Gemini Man) to make fast motion more discernible, many critics felt that the smoothness of the image looked unnatural. —Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

Drebin was a parody of an earlier type: the no-nonsense professional who gave the impression of competency but, in fact, had no discernible skills. —Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025

But there is no discernible best-by date for the affected items. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

discernible borrowed from Late Latin discernibilis, from Latin discernere "to separate, divide off, distinguish, discern" + -ibilis -ible; discernable from discern + -able, after Late Latin discernibilis

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for discernible

• discernable
• returnable
• indiscernible