Indiscernible Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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indiscernible

[ˌɪndɪˈsɜːnəbl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

difficult to perceive or distinguish

Not able to be seen, heard, or understood clearly, usually because of being very similar to something else.

Synonyms

faint, imperceptible, indistinguishable, undetectable, unnoticeable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
indiscernible	Use when something cannot be seen or understood, often because it is too small or unclear. Generally formal. The text was indiscernible without a magnifying glass His motives were indiscernible to us
unnoticeable	Suitable for describing something that is not easily noticed, often overlooked. Commonly used in casual language. The stain on his shirt was unnoticeable at first glance She managed to slip out of the room in an unnoticeable manner
indistinguishable	Suitable for describing things that are so similar that they cannot be differentiated from one another. The twins are almost indistinguishable from each other The fake painting was indistinguishable from the original
imperceptible	Used for something that is so slight or small that it is almost impossible to notice. Generally formal. The change in his expression was almost imperceptible The difference in color was imperceptible to the human eye
undetectable	Used when something cannot be detected by means or senses available. Often used in scientific or medical contexts. The virus was undetectable in the blood sample Her excitement was almost undetectable
faint	Suitable for describing something that is barely perceptible, such as light, sound, or smell. Commonly used in everyday language. She heard a faint knock at the door There was a faint smell of roses in the room

Examples of usage

It was an indiscernible figure in the distance.
The difference between the two options was almost indiscernible.
His words were indiscernible over the loud music.
The fine print on the contract was virtually indiscernible.
The details of the painting were indiscernible without a magnifying glass.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

In physics, some phenomena can be described as indiscernible due to their minute scale, like certain particles that cannot be observed directly.
Indiscernible differences in chemical reactions often require sophisticated instruments to detect, highlighting the limits of human senses.
In optics, objects may become indiscernible when they are out of the visible spectrum, like ultraviolet or infrared light.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Immanuel Kant discussed indiscernible qualities that make understanding the nature of reality complex.
In epistemology, the limits of knowledge often include concepts that are indiscernible to human reasoning, emphasizing the boundaries of perception.
The 'indiscernibility of identicals' is a principle in philosophy stating that if two objects are indistinguishable from each other, they are identical.

Art

In abstract art, some elements may be created to be indiscernible from one another, encouraging viewers to find their own meanings.
Modern artists often use indiscernible patterns or textures to evoke emotions rather than clarity, challenging conventional interpretations.
Conceptual art fosters engagement by presenting pieces that are almost indiscernible, prompting deeper reflection from the audience.

Technology

In digital media, indiscernible differences in image quality can lead to debates about the necessity of high-resolution formats.
In computer algorithms, data that is indiscernible might refer to noise in the system, affecting analysis and decision-making.
Advances in AI have led to the creation of indistinguishable images from real-life scenarios, raising ethical questions about authenticity.

Origin of 'indiscernible'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'indiscernibilis', combining 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'discernere' meaning 'to separate' or 'to distinguish'.
Its first known usage in English dates back to the 17th century, reflecting a time when the nuances of perception were being explored in philosophy.
Similar words with Latin roots include 'discern' and 'discerning', which relate to sensitivity and perception.

The word 'indiscernible' originated from the Latin word 'indiscernibilis', which is a combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'discernibilis' meaning 'discernible'. The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe something that is difficult or impossible to perceive or distinguish. Over time, 'indiscernible' has become a commonly used adjective in various contexts to convey the idea of something being unclear or unrecognizable.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,635 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34632 goof
34633 kiwifruit
34634 milady
34635 indiscernible
34636 formidably
34637 hilariously
34638 reallocating
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