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

Cunningham, a New Yorker staff writer, is a perceptive cultural critic, and in this first novel a fine storyteller as well.

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 saw her as an outsider and survivor, an outlier. She also had a perceptive lack of shame, which was fascinating. Sometimes she breaks rules because she doesn’t really know what they are.”

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

“Elsbeth” transports the offbeat and perceptive defense attorney out of Chicago and sets her loose in New York, where she’s taken on the role as an impartial observer at the NYPD, tailgating its murder investigations.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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