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

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

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

The creatives are perceptive about knowing when to play something for laughs and when to swerve, letting the audience stumble into an unexpected and very earnest emotional gut-punch. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 21 Mar. 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