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

One discernible trend in the French stats was the concentration of sales among the biggest distributors, especially in the fiction category. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025

Acknowledging that Fiddelke has transitioned through numerous corporate positions designed to groom him for the CEO role, Long also suggests that after his promotion to COO in January 2024, no discernible improvements are evident in operations. —Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

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

Agreeing with the gun rights group that brought the case, Castro said the bill had no discernible overarching theme based on its contents. —Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 19 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