discernible

adjective

dis·​cern·​ible di-ˈsər-nə-bəl 

-ˈzər-

variants or less commonly discernable

: able to be perceived by a sense (such as sight or smell) or by the mind : capable of being discerned

a discernible difference

It is thought that the genes that normally produce a white underbelly in the gray squirrel are active in a wider area of their bodies, often leaving discernible gray patches on the spine and head.

—C. Claiborne Ray

Downpours are a near-daily occurrence throughout the year, and there are few discernible changes of season. Sunlight, warmth, and moisture are constants.

—Scott Wallace

discernibly

di-ˈsər-nə-blē 

-ˈzər-

adverb

or less commonly discernably

a discernibly better product

two materials that are not discernibly different

When a recipe says to brown the meat, it is calling for a deep brown sear and a discernibly thick crust on all sides …

—Cook's Illustrated

Synonyms

• appreciable
• apprehensible
• detectable
• distinguishable
• palpable
• perceptible
• sensible

Examples of discernible in a Sentence

discernible differences in the two authors' writing styles

Recent Examples on the Web

Human interplanetary exploration will be more dangerous and more costly, especially if robots can do the work, and the lack of a discernible economic return a greater obstacle. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024

For instance, Rowan’s voiceover and observations made by neighbors refer to Clara as exceptionally pale, but there’s little discernible difference between her and the movie’s other white characters. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Oct. 2024

While step-through ebikes can suffer from frame flex, the unique carbon-fiber monocoque design of the rear-drive Hero displayed no discernible flex while riding. —William Roberson, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

As for what comes next in the lives of women forced to give birth, Trump has no discernible plan — not even a concept of a plan — for child care. —Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

discernible borrowed from Late Latin discernibilis, from Latin discernere "to separate, divide off, distinguish, discern" + -ibilis -ible; discernable from discern + -able, after Late Latin discernibilis

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above