perceptive

adjective

per·​cep·​tive pər-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce perceptive (audio)
1
: responsive to sensory stimuli : discerning
a perceptive eye
2
a
: capable of or exhibiting keen perception : observant
a perceptive scholar
b
: characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight
perceptively adverb
perceptiveness noun
perceptivity noun

Examples of perceptive in a Sentence

He is a very perceptive young man. due to their ability to rotate their ears, cats are very perceptive when it comes to pinpointing the source of a sound
Recent Examples on the Web From Rihanna to Elliot Page to Simone Biles check out these 50 celebs born under Pisces! 01 of 49 John Travolta Empathetic and perceptive, John Travolta's Pisces streak shines in every role from Grease to Pulp Fiction. Andrea Wurzburger, Peoplemag, 18 Feb. 2024 While the perceptive Moon in your sharing sector aligns with relaxed Venus in your responsible 6th house, shedding the mindset that life must be difficult can reveal plausible and mutually beneficial opportunities right under your nose. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2024 Cerebral and introspective, Mr. Lelyveld was for nearly four decades one of the most respected journalists in America, a globe-trotting adventurer who reported from Washington, Congo, India, Hong Kong, Johannesburg and London, winning acclaim for his prolific and perceptive articles. Robert D. McFadden, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2024 After the perceptive Moon shifts into your social 11th house, asking your friends for their view of the situation may help. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2024 My daughter, then nine years old, was eerily perceptive. Zibby Owens, Vogue, 12 Feb. 2024 When the perceptive Moon in your domestic sector aligns with the dynamic Sun in your transformative 8th house, your epiphany could strike the perfect balance between sharing and giving each person their own space. Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2023 While the perceptive Moon in your ambitious 10th house aligns with the potent Sun in your resource zone, taking on additional responsibilities should bring you closer to your goals. Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2023 The drama is put in motion by an incident at the high school attended by Wei, an outgoing only son from a middle-class family, and Shuo, his quiet, perceptive classmate. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perceptive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perceptive was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near perceptive

Cite this Entry

“Perceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perceptive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

perceptive

adjective
per·​cep·​tive pər-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce perceptive (audio)
: capable of or showing a keen ability to observe and understand

Medical Definition

perceptive

adjective
per·​cep·​tive pər-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce perceptive (audio)
: responsive to sensory stimulus
a perceptive eye
perceptively adverb
perceptiveness noun
perceptivity noun
plural perceptivities

More from Merriam-Webster on perceptive

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