perceptive

[ per-sep-tiv ]

adjective

1. having or showing keenness of insight, understanding, or intuition:

   a perceptive analysis of the problems involved.

   Synonyms: astute, keen, sensitive, discerning

2. having the power or faculty of perceiving.
3. of, relating to, or showing perception.

perceptive

/ pəˈsɛptɪv /

adjective

1. quick at perceiving; observant
2. perceptual
3. able to perceive

Derived Forms

• perˈceptiveness, noun
• perˈceptively, adverb

Other Words From

• per·ceptive·ly adverb
• percep·tivi·ty per·ceptive·ness noun
• nonper·ceptive adjective
• nonper·ceptive·ly adverb
• nonper·ceptive·ness noun
• nonper·cep·tivi·ty noun
• self-per·ceptive adjective
• semi·per·ceptive adjective
• unper·ceptive adjective
• unper·ceptive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of perceptive¹

1650–60; < Latin percept ( us ) ( percept ) + -ive

Example Sentences

The company was called Perceptive Pixel, a bunch of graduate students, brilliant guys at NYU.

From Slate

“Subconsciously, I think it was a defense mechanism. I started really being very perceptive about group dynamics and patterns of people. I would know exactly the beat to fit into and lose the ‘new guy’ status as fast as possible.”

From Los Angeles Times

But all in all, Burstein’s film feels big and perceptive, a love letter to a remarkable, interesting and very human human.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m highly intuitive and perceptive. So I’m honestly confused as to why I never feel earthquakes. ... Maybe when you have generational time spent in L.A., you become like one with the earthquake?”

From Los Angeles Times

The perceptive dramedy “I Used to Be Funny” features a mic-drop performance by Rachel Sennott as a rising stand-up comedian derailed by a vague, internet-viral crime.

From New York Times

Related Words

• astute
• discerning
• discreet
• incisive
• insightful
• intuitive
• knowing
• knowledgeable
• observant
• penetrating
• wise