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

Judging by the food one samples around the U.S., there is little difference in the performance of male and female chefs discernable to the eye or palate.

—Mimi Sheraton

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

• appreciable
• apprehensible
• detectable
• distinguishable
• palpable
• perceptible
• sensible

Examples of discernible in a Sentence

discernible differences in the two authors' writing styles

Recent Examples on the Web

However, no discernible shouts of displeasure against Haley were heard during her speech. —Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 July 2024

The play may seem like two one-acts soldered together, but there is a discernible throughline. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2024

Watching Watanabe’s show during Paris Men’s Fashion Week, one was struck first by the plethora of formalwear archetypes, including white shirts and bow ties, and the intense surface treatments, which were not immediately discernible as denim. —Miles Socha, WWD, 15 July 2024

Tubal ligations among young people had been slowly rising for years, but the ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization had a discernible impact. —Kff Health News, The Mercury News, 5 July 2024

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