Imperceptibly: meaning, definitions and examples
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imperceptibly
[ ɪmˈpɜːrspɛptəbli ]
manner of change
Imperceptibly refers to a manner of change that is so gradual or subtle that it is difficult to notice. This can apply to changes in the environment, emotions, or physical states.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The sun set imperceptibly over the horizon.
- Her mood shifted imperceptibly throughout the day.
- The temperature rose imperceptibly in the early morning.
Word origin
The word 'imperceptibly' originates from the Latin word 'imperceptibilis', which means 'not able to be perceived'. It is composed of the prefix 'im-', meaning 'not', the root 'percept', derived from 'percipere' meaning 'to perceive', and the suffix '-bly', indicating an adverbial form. The term has been used in English since the early 19th century to describe something that occurs in such a slight or inconspicuous manner that it is difficult to detect. This concept is relevant in various fields such as psychology, where minute emotional shifts may go unnoticed, or environmental science, where changes in ecosystems can take place so gradually that they remain imperceptible to human observers.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #20,425, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 20422 rearrange
- 20423 disagreeing
- 20424 sarcastically
- 20425 imperceptibly
- 20426 remarried
- 20427 orchestrated
- 20428 nebulous
- ...