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

Dark Renaissance is beautifully written and frequently perceptive about Marlowe’s work and times, but Greenblatt’s investment in making myth over documenting history becomes more of a problem as the book progresses. —Isaac Butler, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 2025

Graham’s script is especially perceptive on the ideological clash between Thatcherism and the left. —Judy Berman, Time, 30 Oct. 2025

Answers poured in—thoughtful, anguished, perceptive answers that reminded me that there is value in naming the problem, even if nothing, for the moment, can be done to stop it. —Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025

Season 2 of ABC's High Potential kicked off with Kaitlin Olson's hyper-perceptive crime consultant Morgan staring down a serial killer. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025

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