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

• acute
• delicate
• fine
• keen
• quick
• sensitive
• sharp

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 the two portraits are complementary nonetheless, each perceptive about the balance women are expected to find between emotional honesty and smiling reserve. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Dec. 2024

These 4 Zodiac Signs Will Be in Their Villain Era This October The Moon Is in Tender Cancer The moon in Cancer is a perceptive and doting lunar placement on a good day. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024

For high-achieving professionals, especially those who are naturally more sensitive and perceptive, emotional investment in work can be both a blessing and a curse. —Melody Wilding, Contributor, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024

Get past the contrivances, and the comedy has some perceptive observations about the way grief and secrets can color a relationship, plus some very trenchant commentary about the sorry state of the Los Angeles real estate market. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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