Discernable

/dɪsˈsɜrnəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Able to be discerned or perceived; possible to see, understand, or distinguish.

Etymology

From 'discern' (from Latin 'discernere', to distinguish) plus the suffix '-able' (capable of being). This variant spelling emphasizes the root 'cern' from Latin 'cernere'.

Kelly Says

'Discernable' and 'discernible' are spelling variants—'discernable' preserves the Latin root more clearly, but 'discernible' won the modern popularity contest, showing how spelling standardization isn't always logical.

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