Langimage
English

imperceptible

|im/per/cep/ti/ble|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˌɪmpərˈsɛptəbl/

🇬🇧

/ˌɪmpəˈsɛptəbl/

not perceivable

Etymology
Etymology Information

'imperceptible' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'imperceptibilis,' where 'im-' meant 'not' and 'perceptibilis' meant 'perceptible.'

Historical Evolution

'imperceptibilis' transformed into the French word 'imperceptible,' and eventually became the modern English word 'imperceptible' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'not able to be perceived,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

impossible or difficult to perceive by the mind or senses.

The changes in the room's temperature were so gradual as to be imperceptible.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39