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

Across the hall, Mary Elizabeth’s room was quiet, with only a few discernible words coming across the spirit box. —Jim Beaugez, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025

There is no discernible border; residents live, work and worship interchangeably between the two towns. —Erika Edwards, NBC news, 22 Oct. 2025

The set-piece prowess is still there, and accounts for nearly 37 per cent of their xG (the fifth-highest in the league), but there has been a discernible shift so far in the type of chances created from open play. —Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025

Black Rabbit name checks Coney Island and alludes to Vince and Jake having a working-class background of some sort, but doesn’t have anything discernible to say about New Yorkers or class in America. —Andrew Bernard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 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