visible

[viz-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. that can be seen; perceptible to the eye.

   mountains visible in the distance.

   Synonyms: discernible

2. apparent; manifest; obvious.

   a man with no visible means of support.

   Synonyms: evident, discernible

3. being constantly or frequently in the public view; conspicuous.

   a visible political position.

4. noting or pertaining to a system of keeping records or information on cards or sheets in such a way that the desired reference can be brought instantly to view.

   a visible index.

5. Commerce.

   1. available or accessible; already existing, as goods in a warehouse or in transit as opposed to goods in production.

      visible supply.

   2. involving actual goods that have been recorded or accounted for.

      visible trade.

6. prepared or converted for visual presentation; represented visually.

visible

/ ˈvɪzɪbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being perceived by the eye

2. capable of being perceived by the mind; evident

   no visible dangers

3. available

   the visible resources

4. (of an index or file) using a flexible display system for the contents

5. of or relating to the balance of trade

   visible transactions

6. represented by visible symbols

noun

1. a visible item of trade; product

Other Word Forms

• visibleness noun
• visibly adverb
• nonvisible adjective
• nonvisibly adverb
• previsible adjective
• previsibly adverb
• unvisible adjective
• unvisibleness noun
• unvisibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of visible¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin vīsibilis, from vīs(us) “seen” ( vision ) + -ibilis -ible

Word History and Origins

Origin of visible¹

C14: from Latin vīsibilis, from vidēre to see

Example Sentences

Kardashian reacted with visible shock, saying the results “explain a lot” about her stress levels as she juggles a sprawling business empire, law studies, an aneurysm recovery, and a highly public personal life.

Read more on Salon

Instead, National Guard members have largely served as a “visible presence” in public areas as part of a larger effort to deter crime, according to Defense officials.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"They need sensitive communication, compassion that somebody understands what they're going through is a significant loss for them, even if there isn't a visible baby."

Read more on BBC

Many of those early graves, marked by propped up terracotta roof tiles, are visible outside the basilica today.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In “Winter,” for example, the moon that hides behind the clouds in Boucher’s work is clearly visible in the mural, its light causing her snowy field to twinkle.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• clear 
• conspicuous 
• detectable www.thesaurus.com
• discernible 
• distinguishable 
• evident 
• noticeable 
• obvious 
• palpable 
• striking 
• unmistakable