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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That is just an incredibly perceptive and talented kid manifesting this amazing performance from her imagination. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 June 2025 In the longer term, the internet of senses, computer vision, extended reality, and edge AI will create more perceptive and immersive experiences by tracking eye movement, expressions, and gestures and blending multisensory experiences to incorporate touch, taste, and smell. Forrester, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 He’s heard the sale rumors but somehow isn’t perceptive enough to see through the semi-ambulatory Griffin’s disguise. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 21 May 2025 None of his previous work has been released in the U.S., which is unfortunate because Demoustier (brother of the talented actress Anaïs) is one of those rare French filmmakers who can blend suspense with perceptive writing and characterization, resulting in artsy thrillers that dig deep. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for perceptive

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perceptive was in 1652

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Cite this Entry

“Perceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perceptive. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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