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

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

"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."

From 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.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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