PERCEPTIVE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does perceptive mean? 

• PERCEPTIVE (adjective)
  The adjective PERCEPTIVE has 2 senses:

1. of or relating to perception

2. having the ability to perceive or understand; keen in discernment

  Familiarity information: PERCEPTIVE used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PERCEPTIVE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of or relating to perception

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

perceptive faculties

Pertainym:

perception (becoming aware of something via the senses)

Derivation:

perceive (to become aware of through the senses)

perceptiveness (delicate discrimination (especially of aesthetic values))

perceptiveness (a feeling of understanding)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Having the ability to perceive or understand; keen in discernment

Context example:

a perceptive observation

Similar:

acute; discriminating; incisive; keen; knifelike; penetrating; penetrative; piercing; sharp (having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions)

apprehensive; discerning (quick to understand)

apperceptive (able to relate new percepts to past experience)

insightful (exhibiting insight or clear and deep perception)

observant; observing (quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception)

quick-sighted; sharp-eyed; sharp-sighted (keenly perceptive or alert)

subtle (able to make fine distinctions)

understanding (characterized by understanding based on comprehension and discernment and empathy)

Antonym:

unperceptive (lacking perception)

Derivation:

perceive (become conscious of)

perceptiveness (the quality of insight and sympathetic understanding)

perceptiveness (perception of that which is obscure)

perceptiveness; perceptivity (a feeling of understanding)