imperceptible

American  

[im-per-sep-tuh-buhl] / ˌɪm pərˈsɛp tə bəl /

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

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noun

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

   metaphysical speculation about imperceptibles.

imperceptible British  

/ ˌɪmpəˈsɛptɪbəl /

adjective

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

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Other Word Forms

• imperceptibility noun
• imperceptibleness noun
• imperceptibly adverb

Etymology

Origin of imperceptible

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

Example Sentences

Since then, an October study published in the journal Frontiers in Sports and Active Living showed just how much could be gained by a nearly imperceptible amount of extra fabric.

From The Wall Street Journal

Swanson had expected to use small, almost imperceptible changes of the earth to predict the eruption of Mount St. Helens.

From Literature

The wires are nearly imperceptible, and extra heating elements around the edges ensure most of the mattress surface is heated—something many heated blankets don’t always achieve.

From The Wall Street Journal

Miss Mortimer gave a nearly imperceptible sigh of exasperation, but still she waited.

From Literature

But the opposite, reflective face bears an image incised in finely engraved lines that under normal conditions is virtually imperceptible to the naked eye.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• gradual
• inaudible
• indistinguishable
• insignificant
• invisible
• microscopic
• subtle
• undetectable