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

Tariff Blow To Luxury Fashion Brands Many major European luxury brands learned that lesson after boosting prices on average 33% from 2019 to 2023 with no discernible improvement in quality, according to UBS. —Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

Another unexpected discovery came from a portion of discernible writing inside a scroll. —Andrew Paul Jul 24, Popular Science, 24 July 2025

Chronic spontaneous urticaria, also known as CSU or chronic hives, is a recurring skin condition characterized by itchy, raised, red welts or deep tissue swelling that persists for six weeks or longer, often without a discernible trigger. —Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 23 July 2025

The volume and power buttons are flat, tactile, and very stable, with no discernible wiggle. —ArsTechnica, 18 July 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