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imperceptible

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

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RELATED WORDS

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

Nearby words

imperatival, imperative, imperator, imperatriz, imperceptibility, imperceptible, imperception, imperceptive, impercipient, imperf., imperfect

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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for imperceptible

British Dictionary definitions for imperceptible

imperceptible

/ (ˌɪmpəˈsɛptɪbəl) /

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

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."

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper