Synonyms Word Origin
capable of being touched; discernible by the touch; material or substantial. real or actual, rather than imaginary or visionary: the tangible benefits of sunshine. definite; not vague or elusive: no tangible grounds for suspicion. (of an asset) having actual physical existence, as real estate or chattels, and therefore capable of being assigned a value in monetary terms. Show More
something tangible, especially a tangible asset. Show More
Origin of tangible 1580–90; <
Late Latin tangibilis, equivalent to
Latin tang(ere ) to touch +
-ibilis -ible Related forms tan·gi·bil·i·ty , tan·gi·ble·ness , noun tan·gi·bly , adverb non·tan·gi·ble , adjective non·tan·gi·ble·ness , noun non·tan·gi·bly , adverb pre·tan·gi·ble , adjective pre·tan·gi·bly , adverb qua·si-tan·gi·ble , adjective qua·si-tan·gi·bly , adverb un·tan·gi·ble , adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for non-tangible capable of being touched or felt; having real substance a tangible object capable of being clearly grasped by the mind; substantial rather than imaginary tangible evidence having a physical existence; corporeal tangible assets Show More
(often plural) a tangible thing or asset Show More
Derived Forms tangibility or tangibleness , noun tangibly , adverb Word Origin for tangible C16: from Late Latin tangibilis, from Latin tangere to touch
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for non-tangible adj. 1580s, "capable of being touched," from Middle French tangible , from Late Latin tangibilis "that may be touched," from Latin tangere "to touch" (see tangent ). Sense of "material" (e.g. tangible reward ) is first recorded 1610s; that of "able to be realized or dealt with" is from 1709.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
