Impalpable: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

At rank #27,577, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 27574 supercilious
• 27575 moulting
• 27576 magnolia
• 27577 impalpable
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• 27579 vouchsafe
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