perceptive

adjective

per·​cep·​tive pər-ˈsep-tiv 

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

(ˌ)pər-ˌsep-ˈti-və-tē 

noun

Synonyms of perceptive

• sensitive
• keen
• quick
• acute

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

Tonal issues persist, with too many big, absurdist swings coming up empty (funerals, parties, tornados, oh no) and too few relatable or perceptive gags to balance them out. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026

But although the mysterious connections between siblings are an area ripe for exploration, Herzog doesn’t seem all that interested beyond the quirk factor, making the film seem precious rather than perceptive. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026

Her eyes are perceptive, and her broad cheekbones taper to a delicate chin. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026

Some are scholarly, some deliciously indiscreet, all are perceptive in one way or another, and one plunges wholesale into obsession. — Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for perceptive

• deceptive
• receptive
• contraceptive
• nociceptive
• proprioceptive

Kids Definition

perceptive

adjective

per·​cep·​tive pər-ˈsep-tiv 

: capable of or showing a keen ability to observe and understand

Medical Definition

perceptive

adjective

per·​cep·​tive pər-ˈsep-tiv 

: responsive to sensory stimulus

a perceptive eye

perceptively adverb

perceptiveness noun

perceptivity

(ˌ)pər-ˌsep-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

plural perceptivities