palpable
American
adjective
-
(usually prenominal) easily perceived by the senses or the mind; obvious
the excuse was a palpable lie
-
capable of being touched; tangible
-
med capable of being discerned by the sense of touch
a palpable tumour
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of palpable
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin palpābilis “touchable,” from palpā(re) “to stroke, touch” ( see palpate 1) + -bilis -ble
Explanation
When something is palpable, you can touch or handle it, even though the word is often used to describe things that usually can't be handled or touched, such as emotions or sensations. You probably won't see palpable used to describe, say, an egg or a doorknob or a motorcycle. Palpable is usually reserved for situations in which something invisible becomes so intense that it feels as though it has substance or weight. Someone who has experienced a death in the family might say that her grief feels palpable.
Vocabulary lists containing palpable
The Giver
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Power Suffix: -able
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Grade 10, List 1
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Students and staff at the Ivy League university spoke to the BBC, some on condition of anonymity, saying the tension on campus had become palpable since the 2024 case resurfaced in recent weeks.
From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026
Acute curiosity was palpable in the conversations I had with attending executives: Could AI really end humanity, some asked.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026
Her palpable joy thanking “Pluribus” creator Vince Gilligan, wiping away tears, is one reason why we keep watching the ceremony.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026
When Oscars host Chevy Chase opened the 1988 ceremony with the rather soft quip, “Good evening, Hollywood phonies,” the disdain from the audience was palpable, and he was never asked to host the show again.
From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026
A palpable tension filled the vast interior of the shell house as the oarsmen changed into their rowing togs.
From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
