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

Only in a few of the paintings is the mark clearly discernible as the crooked branch of a tree. —Ben Davis, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026

There wasn't really a discernible difference in the amount of dust on my entertainment center with the air purifier plonked down right next to it – not like there was while using the HVAC filter. —Joe Salas april 25, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2026

Two Chakram engine prototypes completed eight successful hot-fire tests, accumulating more than 470 seconds of total run time without any discernible damage to the engine hardware, the company said. —Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026

Unlike most spirits, which can sit unopened at room temperature for years without discernible degradation, wine is a living, breathing, dare-I-say magical thing. —Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Apr. 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