Impalpable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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impalpable
[ɪmˈpæl.pə.bəl ]
Definition
abstract quality
Impalpable refers to something that cannot be felt by touch or is difficult to grasp or perceive mentally. This term is often used to describe ideas, emotions, or sensations that are elusive and not easily understood. In literature, it can describe feelings that are profoundly intangible. The term implies a subtlety and an absence of physicality that can evoke a sense of mystery.
Synonyms
ethereal, insubstantial, intangible, invisible, ungraspable.
Examples of usage
- The impalpable sadness lingered in the room.
- Her impalpable charm captivated everyone at the party.
- The beauty of the landscape was impalpable in its depth.
- His impalpable fears kept him from pursuing his dreams.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- In philosophical discussions, 'impalpable' often describes abstract concepts like time, love, or consciousness that can't be physically touched.
- Philosophers like Descartes and Kant explored the nature of reality, questioning if anything intangible could influence the material world.
- The distinction between the tangible and the impalpable shapes debates on the essence of existence and perception.
Literature
- In poetry, the term is frequently employed to evoke the mystery of emotions and feelings that elude being expressed in words.
- Writers such as Virginia Woolf have utilized 'impalpable' to describe the fleeting nature of beauty and human experience.
- In novels, characters often encounter 'impalpable' barriers, symbolizing their emotional struggles or societal constraints.
Science
- In physics, certain forces like gravity can be described as 'impalpable' because they are invisible yet have real effects on matter.
- In fields like chemistry, some substances exist in states that are not literally touchable but can be witnessed through other characteristics.
- The concept of 'impalpable' is also relevant in discussions about dark matter, which affects gravitational forces without being seen.
Art
- Artists often capture the 'impalpable' quality of emotions through abstract expressionism, where feelings are shown rather than told.
- In photography, capturing the 'impalpable' part of a scene might include focus on lighting and mood rather than explicit details.
- Installation art frequently challenges viewers to engage with 'impalpable' concepts, provoking thought and emotional response rather than physical interaction.
Origin of 'impalpable'
Main points about word origin
- Originates from the Latin word 'impalpabilis', which combines 'in-' (not) and 'palpabilis' (able to be touched).
- The word 'palpable' means something that can be felt or touched, showing a direct contrast with 'impalpable'.
- Came into use in the English language in the late 19th century, primarily through philosophical and literary contexts.
The word 'impalpable' comes from the Latin 'impalpabilis', which is formed from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'palpabilis' meaning 'able to be touched'. The root 'palpare' means 'to touch' in Latin, linking to the physical sense of touch. The term emerged in English in the early 19th century, and its usage expanded beyond the literal sense of being untouchable to encompass figurative and abstract concepts. Over time, 'impalpable' has been employed in various contexts, ranging from art and literature to philosophy, indicating not only physical properties but also abstract qualities of emotions and perceptions that challenge comprehension.