Perceptible

Perceptible

Adjective · /pəˈsɛptɪbl/ · able to be noticed or detected by the senses or the mind

Definition

Able to be seen, heard, felt, or noticed — just barely detectable. A perceptible change is one you can notice if you pay attention. The word often implies that the thing is subtle or slight — present but not obvious. Its opposite, imperceptible, means too small or gradual to be noticed at all.

Origin

From Late Latin perceptibilis, from percipere — per (through) + capere (to take, seize). The same root as perceive and perception. The suffix -ible means "capable of being," so perceptible literally means capable of being perceived — able to be grasped by the senses or the mind.