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
Founder and principal Jessica Lagrange is known for her vibrant and personable manner, perceptive insights, and collaborative approach to design—qualities that account for the outstanding caliber and cohesive nature of the JLI team.
—
Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2025
The perceptive actress plays someone whose grief has stunted her desire to pursue a career in the arts.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
Ryan first encountered Kahane during their work together at the BBC in London in 2014, and was struck by the composer’s intellectual depth and perceptive social commentary.
—Amy Carleton, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2025
Under the stewardship of Guardiola’s former Barcelona team-mate Luis Enrique, PSG’s midfield play, built around the energy, intelligence and perceptive passing of Vitinha, Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz (and, later, substitute Warren Zaire-Emery) was everything that City’s was not.
—Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perceptive
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Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2025
The perceptive actress plays someone whose grief has stunted her desire to pursue a career in the arts.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
Ryan first encountered Kahane during their work together at the BBC in London in 2014, and was struck by the composer’s intellectual depth and perceptive social commentary.
—Amy Carleton, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2025
Under the stewardship of Guardiola’s former Barcelona team-mate Luis Enrique, PSG’s midfield play, built around the energy, intelligence and perceptive passing of Vitinha, Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz (and, later, substitute Warren Zaire-Emery) was everything that City’s was not.
—Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 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 24 Mar. 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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