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
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
At Wednesday’s tense hearing, one perceptive question was posed by Rep. Debra Tendrich, a freshman Democrat from Lake Worth Beach, who has experience working with nonprofits.
—
Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
When an employee like Emily exhibits signs of distress, a perceptive leader acknowledges the issue without judgment, fostering an environment where team members feel seen and valued beyond their professional roles.
—Andriana Eliadis, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
The perceptive Crow man again puts the pieces together, and the trio ultimately decide — with everyone involved expired, except Teonna — not to dig any deeper.
—Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
In John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs, author Ian Leslie details their union with perceptive insights bolstered by extensive research.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perceptive
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Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
When an employee like Emily exhibits signs of distress, a perceptive leader acknowledges the issue without judgment, fostering an environment where team members feel seen and valued beyond their professional roles.
—Andriana Eliadis, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
The perceptive Crow man again puts the pieces together, and the trio ultimately decide — with everyone involved expired, except Teonna — not to dig any deeper.
—Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
In John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs, author Ian Leslie details their union with perceptive insights bolstered by extensive research.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perceptive
Cite this Entry
“Perceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perceptive. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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