palpable
Americanadjective
-
(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
- nonpalpability noun
- nonpalpable adjective
- nonpalpably adverb
- palpability noun
- palpableness noun
- palpably adverb
- unpalpable adjective
- unpalpably adverb
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
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Power Suffix: -able
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Grade 10, List 1
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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.
The excitement was palpable Sunday, opening day for David Geffen Galleries, LACMA’s new $724-million building that’s been sparking debate since its inception.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026
In Beijing, meanwhile, there was a palpable optimism, says Selina Xu, a researcher who works on China AI policy in the office of former Google boss Eric Schmidt.
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
Their connection to each other—and to the plight of migrants today—is palpable throughout this powerful book.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026
The excitement at ground control was palpable, Gibbons said, adding that it was a "special" moment filled with tears, hugs and laughter.
From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026
“How?” the emperor said, the excitement palpable in his voice.
From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin
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.
