Answer: Option C
The word "perceptive" means having or showing the ability to notice and understand things that are not obvious or easily seen. It refers to the ability to see things that are not immediately noticeable, and to understand the meaning and significance of what is seen.
In the context of the sentence, "The outlines of the figure were barely perceptive in the darkness," the word "perceptive" is used to describe the outlines of the figure that could just be seen in the darkness. The word "barely" means "hardly," and it is used to indicate that the outlines were only just visible. The combination of these two words creates a picture of a figure that is difficult to see, but just noticeable.
To summarize, the correct answer is option C - "Perceptive."
Definition and Explanation of Key Terms:

• Perceptive: having or showing the ability to notice and understand things that are not obvious or easily seen.
• Barely: hardly, only just.
• Outlines: the line that defines the outer edge of a shape or object.
• Darkness: the absence of light.

Relevance to the Sentence:

• The word "perceptive" is used to describe the outlines of the figure that could just be seen in the darkness.
• The word "barely" is used to indicate that the outlines were only just visible.

Implications of the Sentence:

• The figure was difficult to see in the darkness.
• The outlines were only just noticeable.
• The figure was understood to be there because of the observer's ability to notice and understand things that are not obvious or easily seen.