discernible

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'discernible' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that can be distinguished or noticed. For example: "She had a discernible look of sadness on her face as she walked away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was almost no discernible coffee flavour, just brown wet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But it ended badly: the strand was photographed trying to take steroids, which was doubly tragic since, a) it had no discernible mouth and, b) the steroid pill was approximately 3,000 times its size.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hitherto, the debate around a new system of care and support for elderly and disabled people in England had made no discernible distinction between the costs of bed and board and those of help with washing, dressing, eating and drinking.

The Guardian

What must have made matters worse is the absence of any discernible indication that Dyke has forsaken his former profession.

The Guardian

Based on the limited data available, there is no discernible incumbency effect.

The Guardian

Weeks of bitter confrontations with Democrats and moderate Republicans will have yielded no discernible gains for conservatives – except, perhaps, for the display of power that have proven they can still exert over the embattled speaker of the House.

The Guardian

She said she had noticed little discernible difference during her arrival – apart from the presence of a sign.

The Guardian

They elevate academic research showing that children in large classes achieve roughly the same as those in smaller classes – or, more specifically, that to make any discernible difference to student achievement, class sizes have to be unaffordably small (around 15 pupils).

The Guardian

And unlike those cheering his dismissal, McIntyre has a discernible expertise in the matters he usually comments on, namely soccer in south-east Asia.

The Guardian - Opinion

I managed to spurn the "creme brulee latte" and the cappuccino was pretty good, with a discernible, pleasantly muddy flavour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Playing-wise, no signs of progress are discernible," says Lothar Matthäus.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "discernible" to describe subtle but real differences or changes. It implies that something is not immediately obvious but can be detected with careful observation.

Common error

Avoid using "discernible" when a more direct adjective like "clear" or "obvious" would be more impactful. "Discernible" is best reserved for situations where nuance is important.

Linguistic Context

The word "discernible" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns, indicating that something is capable of being perceived or distinguished. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights the ability to detect something, even if it's not immediately obvious.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discernible" is a useful adjective to describe something that is capable of being perceived or distinguished, even if it's not immediately obvious. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, formal writing, and scientific publications. While there are several synonyms, such as "perceptible", "noticeable", and "detectable", "discernible" is a precise choice that emphasizes the ability to detect something subtle. It is important to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in place of stronger adjectives when clarity is paramount. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The Economist and The Guardian suggests its value in formal and nuanced communication. Also, the user should avoid the overuse of the word in place of stronger adjectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perceptible

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the ability to be noticed through the senses.

noticeable

Highlights the ease with which something can be observed or detected.

detectable

Focuses on the capacity to be discovered or identified, often through investigation.

observable

Stresses the capability of being seen or watched.

evident

Indicates that something is easily seen or understood; obvious.

apparent

Suggests something is clear or obvious to the eye or mind.

visible

Emphasizes the quality of being able to be seen.

recognisable

Highlights the ability to identify something or someone.

identifiable

Focuses on the capability to be identified or distinguished.

palpable

Implies something is so evident it can almost be physically felt.

FAQs

How can I use "discernible" in a sentence?

"Discernible" is used to describe something that is capable of being noticed or perceived. For example, "There was a "noticeable" difference in the painting's colors after the restoration."

What are some alternatives to "discernible"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "perceptible", "noticeable", "detectable", or "evident".

Is "discernible" the same as "obvious"?

While both words relate to being perceived, "discernible" suggests something is capable of being noticed with effort, whereas "obvious" implies it's immediately apparent. Something "evident" is readily seen, but something "discernible" may require closer inspection.

What's the difference between "discernible" and "perceptible"?

"Discernible" suggests something is capable of being distinguished, while "perceptible" emphasizes the ability to be noticed through the senses. The difference is "subtle" but can affect the nuance of your writing.