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 of discernible

• distinguishable
• noticeable
• audible
• detectable
• perceptible

Examples of discernible in a Sentence

discernible differences in the two authors' writing styles

Recent Examples on the Web

The Legally Bronze Bronzer is a normal size and has no discernible smell. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 28 May 2026

No discernible economic revolution followed Biden’s neo-Brandeisian program. —Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026

Both fixtures against Newcastle United, defeats to Bournemouth and Fulham, and the home draw against Manchester City demonstrated how Tottenham lacked a discernible game plan and seemed at the mercy of game-state momentum under Frank. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 25 May 2026

The noisy city outside is barely discernible through the floor-to-ceiling windows, which allow natural light to flood in when the drapes are drawn. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026

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