visible

[viz-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. that can be seen; perceptible to the eye.

   mountains visible in the distance.

   Synonyms: discernible

2. apparent; manifest; obvious.

   a man with no visible means of support.

   Synonyms: evident, discernible

3. being constantly or frequently in the public view; conspicuous.

   a visible political position.

4. noting or pertaining to a system of keeping records or information on cards or sheets in such a way that the desired reference can be brought instantly to view.

   a visible index.

5. Commerce.

   1. available or accessible; already existing, as goods in a warehouse or in transit as opposed to goods in production.

      visible supply.

   2. involving actual goods that have been recorded or accounted for.

      visible trade.

6. prepared or converted for visual presentation; represented visually.

visible

/ ˈvɪzɪbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being perceived by the eye

2. capable of being perceived by the mind; evident

   no visible dangers

3. available

   the visible resources

4. (of an index or file) using a flexible display system for the contents

5. of or relating to the balance of trade

   visible transactions

6. represented by visible symbols

noun

1. a visible item of trade; product

Other Word Forms

• visibleness noun
• visibly adverb
• nonvisible adjective
• nonvisibly adverb
• previsible adjective
• previsibly adverb
• unvisible adjective
• unvisibleness noun
• unvisibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of visible¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin vīsibilis, from vīs(us) “seen” ( vision ) + -ibilis -ible

Word History and Origins

Origin of visible¹

C14: from Latin vīsibilis, from vidēre to see

Example Sentences

The fires are less visible of a tragedy now, but the pain is ongoing.

From Los Angeles Times

The renovations will also afford guests a chance to access “the vault,” the second-floor art storage space that has thus far only been visible through stairwell windows.

From Los Angeles Times

Carvalho has become especially visible in recent months as the leader of a school system that possibly has more recent immigrant families than any other in the nation.

From Los Angeles Times

She wore the honey-coloured, floor-length coat with the collar turned up, while flashes of its signature lining were visible underneath.

From BBC

Brückner wasn't visible in the car but police confirmed he left Sehnde prison.

From BBC

Related Words

• clear 
• conspicuous 
• detectable www.thesaurus.com
• discernible 
• distinguishable 
• evident 
• noticeable 
• obvious 
• palpable 
• striking 
• unmistakable