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

Derived Forms

• ˌimperˌceptiˈbility, noun
• ˌimperˈceptibly, adverb

Other Words From

• imper·cepti·bili·ty imper·cepti·ble·ness noun
• imper·cepti·bly 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

Since the difficulty of this care remains largely imperceptible to all save those who provide it, there have been few attempts, governmental or otherwise, to make it better, easier, or less of a life-swallowing burden.

From Vox

One common concern is that some LED desk lamps have a very slight, even imperceptible flicker that can cause eye strain.

From Popular-Science

Photo technologies and image filters can do this in ways that are almost imperceptible.

From MIT Technology Review

“What we found when we used this different technique is that there were nearly imperceptible rings that originally went unnoticed,” Ernande says.

From Popular-Science

Though, if the company follows the same tactics as the Beats Solo Pro, the actual transition should be smooth and almost imperceptible to the listener.

From Popular-Science

The nature of the harm allegedly caused by Goddard was “subtle, imperceptible and pernicious.”

From The Daily Beast

The number of straight men who change their name upon marriage, remains so tiny as to be imperceptible.

From The Daily Beast

He might have overcome his drawl, lobbying past, and imperceptible poll ratings to win the GOP nomination.

From The Daily Beast

It was then that I felt the ground move under me slightly—it was almost imperceptible.

From The Daily Beast

But young Mrs. Haggard shrank from her touch with an almost imperceptible shudder.

From Project Gutenberg

With difficulty his almost imperceptible spark of life had been screened and fanned into a dim and flickering flame.

From Project Gutenberg

There exists nothing so subtle, so simple, and so imperceptible which is not revealed to us by a something in its composition.

From Project Gutenberg

My three months' stay has taught me the art of conversing by an almost imperceptible motion of the lips.

From Project Gutenberg

I noticed here the familiar, almost imperceptible click of the small white teeth.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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