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Imperceptible: meaning, definitions and examples

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imperceptible

 

[ˌɪmpərˈsɛptəbəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

to describe something difficult to detect or notice

Not perceptible by a sense or by the mind. Impossible or difficult to perceive by the senses or the mind. Extremely slight, gradual, or subtle. So small, slight, or gradual as to be difficult to detect or describe. Unnoticeable or barely noticeable.

Synonyms

faint, inconspicuous, minute, subtle, undetectable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
imperceptible

To describe something that is so small or subtle that it cannot be noticed or detected by the senses.

  • The movement of the glacier is imperceptible to the naked eye.
  • The difference in their voices was almost imperceptible.
undetectable

Used to describe something that cannot be detected or discovered, especially with standard methods or senses.

  • The virus was undetectable in early tests.
  • The spy's presence was undetectable thanks to his advanced stealth technology.
inconspicuous

To describe something or someone that is not easily seen or noticed, often because it blends into the surroundings.

  • She tried to remain as inconspicuous as possible in the crowded room.
  • The flower was inconspicuous among the lush green foliage.
subtle

For something that is not immediately obvious and may require close observation or thought to discern.

  • There was a subtle hint of irony in his voice.
  • The changes in the landscape were subtle but noticeable over time.
faint

Used when something is very weak or slight, especially when referring to light, sound, or smells.

  • There was a faint smell of perfume in the room.
  • I could hear the faint sound of music in the distance.
minute

When talking about something that is extremely small in size or importance.

  • Minute particles of dust floated in the sunlight.
  • He gave minute attention to every detail of the project.

Examples of usage

  • It was an imperceptible change in the temperature.
  • The imperceptible movement of the clock's hands.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'imperceptibilis', meaning 'not able to be perceived'.
  • The prefix 'im-' means 'not', while 'cept' comes from 'capere' which means 'to seize'.
  • The word has been used in English since the late 17th century, showing a long history in the language.

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions, imperceptible things challenge our understanding of reality, pushing us to question what we perceive.
  • Some philosophers argue that the existence of things we cannot perceive has implications for the nature of existence itself.
  • Debates on imperceptible phenomena are often found in theories of knowledge - how do we know what we cannot see?

Science

  • In physics, some subatomic particles exist in states that are imperceptible to our senses, only detectable through advanced instruments.
  • Certain environmental changes, like those caused by climate change, can often be imperceptible until they reach a significant threshold.
  • In medicine, certain symptoms of diseases may be imperceptible until they progress, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups.

Art

  • Artists often play with imperceptible details in their works, inviting viewers to look closely to discover hidden elements.
  • In music, imperceptible changes in tone can create an emotional depth, subtly altering the listener's experience.
  • The beauty of some minimalist art lies in its use of imperceptible transitions, challenging viewers to find meaning in simplicity.

Psychology

  • Human perception can be influenced by imperceptible cues in our environment, affecting how we feel or react without us realizing it.
  • Studies show that people may not notice certain changes in their surroundings unless they are significant, highlighting our selective attention.
  • Imperceptible biases in decision-making can lead us to make choices that contradict our conscious beliefs.

Translations

Translations of the word "imperceptible" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imperceptível

🇮🇳 अदृश्य

🇩🇪 unmerklich

🇮🇩 tak terlihat

🇺🇦 невловимий

🇵🇱 niedostrzegalny

🇯🇵 知覚できない

🇫🇷 imperceptible

🇪🇸 imperceptible

🇹🇷 fark edilmez

🇰🇷 감지할 수 없는

🇸🇦 غير محسوس

🇨🇿 nepostřehnutelný

🇸🇰 nepostrehnuteľný

🇨🇳 难以察觉的

🇸🇮 neopazen

🇮🇸 ógreinanlegur

🇰🇿 байқалмайтын

🇬🇪 უცნობი

🇦🇿 sezilməz

🇲🇽 imperceptible

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,905, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.