imperceptible

[im-per-sep-tuh-buhl]

adjective

1. very slight, gradual, or subtle.

   the imperceptible slope of the road.

2. not perceptible; not perceived by or affecting the senses.

   Synonyms: undetectable, unperceivable, hidden

noun

1. something not capable of being perceived by the senses.

   metaphysical speculation about imperceptibles.

imperceptible

/ ˌɪmpəˈsɛptɪbəl /

adjective

1. too slight, subtle, gradual, etc, to be perceived

Other Word Forms

• imperceptibility noun
• imperceptibleness noun
• imperceptibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of imperceptible¹

From the Medieval Latin word imperceptibilis, dating back to 1520–30. See im- ², perceptible

Example Sentences

"Traditionally, the intense heat of firing destroys any biological residue. However, our technique has been able to reveal fingerprint ridges that would otherwise remain imperceptible."

Read more on Science Daily

The hum of the electric motor is imperceptible, and it is only at speed that the sound of the rolling wheels on the road breaks through.

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Five years later, Mini sat on Khorram’s lap, her disability nearly imperceptible — and in any case eclipsed by her purple-dyed tail.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Though the evidence may be imperceptible to the untrained eye, they also hold the memory of the earth from which they were formed and the traditional methods of molding and firing clay.

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The shrewd, vivifying juxtaposition pits crude, primal, static stone, its huge weight pressing the ground beneath your feet, against sleek, industrially elegant windmills spinning overhead to catch the invisible airstream and generate similarly imperceptible energy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gradual 
• inaudible 
• indistinguishable 
• insignificant 
• invisible 
• microscopic 
• subtle 
• undetectable www.thesaurus.com