tangible

[tan-juh-buhl]

adjective

1. capable of being touched; discernible by the touch; material or substantial.

   Synonyms: corporeal, palpable

2. real or actual, rather than imaginary or visionary.

   the tangible benefits of sunshine.

   Synonyms: perceptible, genuine, certain

3. definite; not vague or elusive.

   no tangible grounds for suspicion.

   Synonyms: specific

4. (of an asset) having actual physical existence, as real estate or chattels, and therefore capable of being assigned a value in monetary terms.

noun

1. something tangible, especially a tangible asset.

tangible

/ ˈtændʒəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being touched or felt; having real substance

   a tangible object

2. capable of being clearly grasped by the mind; substantial rather than imaginary

   tangible evidence

3. having a physical existence; corporeal

   tangible assets

noun

1. (often plural) a tangible thing or asset

Other Word Forms

• tangibility noun
• tangibleness noun
• tangibly adverb
• nontangible adjective
• nontangibleness noun
• nontangibly adverb
• pretangible adjective
• pretangibly adverb
• quasi-tangible adjective
• quasi-tangibly adverb
• untangible adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tangible¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Late Latin tangibilis, from Latin tang(ere) “to touch” + -ibilis -ible; tangent ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of tangible¹

C16: from Late Latin tangibilis, from Latin tangere to touch

Example Sentences

And there is another reason for the tangible sense of optimism now surging around their apartment.

From BBC

Over the three seasons since then, however, he feels he has made more tangible strides.

From Los Angeles Times

"We hope this time he feels able to bring to the table a more detailed offer of settlement that is tangible and acceptable."

From BBC

Upon his death aged 84 in 2017, Irish President Michael D Higgins said Rooney was "deeply committed to Ireland" and that his contributions to peace and reconciliation had left a "real and tangible legacy".

From BBC

Yet, aside from Harvey Weinstein, it’s difficult to conjure many names in popular culture that actually faced any tangible consequences.

From Salon