Imperceptibility: meaning, definitions and examples

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imperceptibility

 

[ˌɪmpərˈsɛpʃəˌbɪlɪti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

state of being

Imperceptibility refers to the quality or condition of being impossible to perceive or detect. This concept often applies to subtle changes, effects, or characteristics that are so minute that they go unnoticed by the senses. In various fields, such as psychology or physics, it can denote phenomena that are too small or gradual to be observed directly. The term suggests a level of subtlety that challenges human awareness and comprehension.

Synonyms

imperceptiveness, insubstantiality, intangible.

Examples of usage

  • The imperceptibility of the changes made it difficult to notice the improvement.
  • Some sounds exist at a level of imperceptibility for human ears.
  • Artists often strive for imperceptibility in their brush strokes, achieving a seamless effect.
  • The imperceptibility of her emotions masked her true feelings.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'imperceptibilis,' meaning 'not able to be perceived.'
  • It combines 'in-' (not) and 'perceptible' (able to be seen or noticed), showing its meaning clearly.

Science

  • In physics, some phenomena are so small that they are imperceptible to the naked eye, like certain particles.
  • Quantum mechanics often deals with behaviors that are imperceptible at the macro scale, challenging our understanding of reality.

Psychology

  • People may not notice subtle changes in their environment due to imperceptibility, which can affect their feelings and behaviors.
  • Emotional responses can be imperceptible to the person experiencing them, showing how complex human feelings can be.

Art

  • In literature, authors sometimes write characters whose development is so subtle that their growth is imperceptible until the very end.
  • In visual art, imperceptible details can create depth and complexity, encouraging viewers to look closely and discover hidden meanings.

Philosophy

  • Imperceptibility raises questions about existence; if something is too subtle to notice, does it truly 'exist' in our perception?
  • Philosophers discuss whether the imperceptible can be known through indirect effects, suggesting a deep connection between observation and reality.

Translations

Translations of the word "imperceptibility" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imperceptibilidade

🇮🇳 अव्यक्तता

🇩🇪 Unmerklichkeit

🇮🇩 ketidakterlihatan

🇺🇦 невідчутність

🇵🇱 imperceptybilność

🇯🇵 知覚されないこと

🇫🇷 imperceptibilité

🇪🇸 imperceptibilidad

🇹🇷 algılanamazlık

🇰🇷 인지 불가능성

🇸🇦 عدم الإدراك

🇨🇿 nepostřehnutelnost

🇸🇰 nepostrehnuteľnosť

🇨🇳 不可察觉性

🇸🇮 neopaznost

🇮🇸 ógreinileiki

🇰🇿 сезілмейтіндік

🇬🇪 უპირველეს ყოვლისა

🇦🇿 hiss edilməzlik

🇲🇽 imperceptibilidad