imperceptible
Americanadjective
-
very slight, gradual, or subtle.
the imperceptible slope of the road.
-
not perceptible; not perceived by or affecting the senses.
- Synonyms:
- undetectable, unperceivable, hidden
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of imperceptible
From the Medieval Latin word imperceptibilis, dating back to 1520–30. See im- 2, perceptible
Explanation
If it's imperceptible, it's impossible to perceive with any of the senses. The world might be spinning, but it's imperceptible from your couch. Within the word imperceptible you see the word percept, which means "the object of your perception." Like impossible, the im in imperceptible means it cannot be perceived. Imperceptible is rarely used in the absolute sense of the word — it is usually paired with almost. Horton hears the Who but the tiny sounds of the Whos were almost imperceptible to everyone else.
Vocabulary lists containing imperceptible
The Crucible
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Old Man and the Sea
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
A Wrinkle in Time
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At one point, my book's actual title — "War Made Invisible" — somehow became "War Caused Imperceptible."
From Salon • Aug. 26, 2023
Imperceptible digital watermarks are also used for digital rights management.
From Salon • Apr. 6, 2023
Imperceptible quantization errors could amplify and cause cholera epidemics due to improper wastewater treatment, massive blackouts due to imprecise control of the power grid, or even large-scale war due to misperception of enemy actions.
From Slate • Oct. 31, 2019
Hayes’ poems crawl along these pages, like bugs marching among shattered, desiccated carcasses, spreading a stinging, stinking, humming “odor, an almost / Imperceptible ode to death.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2018
Imperceptible as a rule, it showed when she was tired.
From His Family by Poole, Ernest
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
