imperceptible

[im-per-sep-tuh-buhl]

See more synonyms for imperceptible on Thesaurus.com

adjective

very slight, gradual, or subtle: the imperceptible slope of the road.
not perceptible; not perceived by or affecting the senses.

noun

something not capable of being perceived by the senses: metaphysical speculation about imperceptibles.

Origin of imperceptible

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

Related formsim·per·cep·ti·bil·i·ty, im·per·cep·ti·ble·ness, nounim·per·cep·ti·bly, adverb

Synonyms for imperceptible

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2. hidden, unperceivable, undetectable.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for imperceptible

insignificant, gradual, indistinguishable, microscopic, invisible, subtle, inaudible, undetectable, ephemeral, evanescent, fine, impalpable, inconspicuous, indiscernible, indistinct, infinitesimal, insensible, minute, momentary, shadowy

Examples from the Web for imperceptible

Contemporary Examples of imperceptible

The nature of the harm allegedly caused by Goddard was “subtle, imperceptible and pernicious.”
Exclusive: Bryan Singer Faces New Teen Sex Assault Lawsuit
Tim Teeman
May 4, 2014
The number of straight men who change their name upon marriage, remains so tiny as to be imperceptible.
Gay People Can Be as Traditional and Boring as Straight People
Justin Green
May 30, 2013
He might have overcome his drawl, lobbying past, and imperceptible poll ratings to win the GOP nomination.
Haley Barbour's Wife Vetoes 2012 Presidential Bid
Jill Lawrence
April 26, 2011

Historical Examples of imperceptible

God's beginnings are imperceptible, whether in the region of soul or of matter.
Weighed and Wanting
George MacDonald
He was accused of putting on an imperceptible touch of rouge.
The Memoirs of Louis XIV., His Court and The Regency, Complete
Duc de Saint-Simon
He made no reply, but questioned her by an imperceptible movement of the eyelids.
The Downfall
Emile Zola
Those which are equal are imperceptible, and we call them transparent.
Timaeus
Plato
Little by little a faint hope crept into my mind—fragile, often imperceptible.
The Prodigal Returns
Lilian Staveley

British Dictionary definitions for imperceptible

imperceptible

adjective

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

Derived Formsimperceptibility or imperceptibleness, nounimperceptibly, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for imperceptible

adj.

early 15c., from French imperceptible (early 15c.), from Medieval Latin imperceptibilis, from assimilated form of in- "not, opposite of" (see in- (1)) + perceptibilis (see perceptible). Related: Imperceptibly. OED marks imperceivable as "Now rare."