Intangible: meaning, definitions and examples

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intangible

 

[ ɪnˈtæn.dʒə.bəl ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

physical properties

Intangible refers to something that cannot be touched or physically measured. It often describes concepts, qualities, or assets that exist but are not material in nature.

Synonyms

ethereal, immaterial, incorporeal, ungraspable

Examples of usage

  • The intangible aspects of a company include its brand reputation.
  • Her love for music is an intangible experience that cannot be defined.
  • Happiness is often considered an intangible benefit of a good job.
Context #2 | Noun

business assets

Intangible assets are non-physical assets that add value to a business, such as intellectual property or goodwill. They are important for a company's potential growth and profitability.

Synonyms

goodwill, intellectual property, non-physical asset

Examples of usage

  • Patents are a type of intangible that can significantly contribute to a company's value.
  • Many startups focus on building their intangible assets from the ground up.
  • The company's intangible assets were evaluated during the merger.

Translations

Translations of the word "intangible" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intangível

🇮🇳 अस्पष्ट

🇩🇪 immateriell

🇮🇩 tak terukur

🇺🇦 нематеріальний

🇵🇱 nietykalny

🇯🇵 無形の

🇫🇷 intangible

🇪🇸 intangible

🇹🇷 soyut

🇰🇷 무형의

🇸🇦 غير ملموس

🇨🇿 nehmatelný

🇸🇰 nehmatateľný

🇨🇳 无形的

🇸🇮 nebistven

🇮🇸 óhlutbundinn

🇰🇿 материалдық емес

🇬🇪 უპირატესი

🇦🇿 maddi olmayan

🇲🇽 intangible

Word origin

The term intangible originated from the Latin word 'intangibilis,' which combines 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'tangibilis,' meaning 'that may be touched' (from 'tangere,' meaning 'to touch'). This Latin root indicates that the concept has evolved to represent things that are essential but cannot be physically interacted with. The word has been used in English since the late 15th century, commonly in legal and financial contexts to discuss assets that, while not physically present, hold significant value and influence. The use of intangible has expanded over the centuries to encompass various abstract qualities and feelings, illustrating society's recognition of the importance of non-physical elements in both personal and economic realms.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,446, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.