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

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

Snowy scenes show plenty of highlight details against all of the white, with clouds and snowflakes easily discernible against similar backgrounds. —PC Magazine, 30 July 2025

If the ball did come to rest on another spot and the movement was discernible to the naked eye, is it known or virtually certain that the player's actions caused the ball to move? —Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 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