VocabDictionary

perceptive

/pərˈsɛp.tɪv/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Having or showing sensitive insight; capable of quick and accurate understanding of people, situations, or nuances.

Example Sentences:
  • She was highly perceptive, noticing the subtle shift in his mood before he even spoke.
  • His perceptive analysis of the market trends helped the company avoid a major financial loss.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “perceptive”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'perceptivus', from the past participle of 'percipere' (to seize, grasp, or understand), which is a combination of 'per-' (thoroughly) and 'capere' (to take). It entered Middle English via Old French, evolving from a sense of physical sensation to the modern psychological sense of keen insight.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of someone who is 'per-ceptive' as someone who 'perceives' (sees) things 'ceptively' (exceptionally) well.

Frequently Asked Questions About “perceptive

1. What is the meaning of “perceptive” in English?

In English, perceptive (adjective) is defined as: “Having or showing sensitive insight; capable of quick and accurate understanding of people, situations, or nuances.”.

2. How do you use “perceptive” in a sentence?

She was highly perceptive, noticing the subtle shift in his mood before he even spoke.

3. What are English synonyms of “perceptive”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “perceptive”?

Derived from the Latin 'perceptivus', from the past participle of 'percipere' (to seize, grasp, or understand), which is a combination of 'per-' (thoroughly) and 'capere' (to take). It entered Middle English via Old French, evolving from a sense of physical sensation to the modern psychological sense of keen insight.