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 But by the end of the second act, we are made very aware that Rita is not just a secondary character, or just an extension of Bob (played by Kingsley Ben-Adir), but an extremely complex and perceptive woman who refuses to be overlooked. Shaznay Martin, refinery29.com, 15 Feb. 2024 While the sentimental Moon in your philosophical 9th house stumbles into perceptive Mercury in your contemplation sector, you may be tempted to help them by sharing personal beliefs that have helped you through your struggles. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 29 May 2024 The perceptive Moon then shakes off a square to foggy Neptune and powers into practical Capricorn, sharpening our insights. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2024 In 2019, Christian Malek, a perceptive and imaginative leader, founded NCA, which not only became a successful business but also signaled a shift in the private equity industry. Tyler Giroud, USA TODAY, 25 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for perceptive 

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 27 Jul. 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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