adj
C1
Advanced
perceptive
puh-SEHP-tihv
Perceptive (adj) means Quick to notice or understand things; showing sharp insight. Example: “That was a perceptive comment about the character's motives.”
adj
1
Quick to notice or understand things; showing sharp insight.
"That was a perceptive comment about the character's motives."
"She's remarkably perceptive when it comes to reading people."
How to use perceptive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGood at noticing details or understanding things that aren't obvious to everyone.
Common pairings
perceptive observation
perceptive reader
highly perceptive
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Word forms
- Plural
- perceptives
- Comparative
- more perceptive
- Superlative
- most perceptive
Fill the gap
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That was a _____ comment about the character's motives.
Etymology
From Latin perceptivus, related to percipere, "to perceive".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unperceptive
Related words
Rhymes for perceptive
See all rhymes for perceptive →Frequently asked questions
What does “perceptive” mean?
The word “perceptive” means quick to notice or understand things; showing sharp insight. In plain terms, good at noticing details or understanding things that aren't obvious to everyone.
How do you pronounce “perceptive”?
“Perceptive” is pronounced puh-SEHP-tihv (/pɚˈsɛptɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “perceptive” in a sentence?
Here is “perceptive” used in a sentence: “That was a perceptive comment about the character's motives.”
What part of speech is “perceptive”?
“Perceptive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “perceptive” come from?
The word “perceptive” comes from Latin. From Latin perceptivus, related to percipere, "to perceive".
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