Palpably Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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palpably

[ˈpælpəbli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a way that is easily perceived or obvious

In a manner that is easily noticeable or detectable, often through the sense of touch or feeling.

Synonyms

clearly, evidently, noticeably, obviously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
palpably	When something is so clear that it can be almost felt or touched, often used in literary or formal language. The tension in the room was palpably thick His disappointment was palpably evident
noticeably	When changes or differences are easy to see or observe, often used in everyday situations. She has gotten noticeably taller He was noticeably upset after the meeting
obviously	Used when something is so clear that it cannot be missed, common in both casual and slightly formal conversation. Obviously, we need to fix this issue right away He was obviously nervous during the interview
clearly	When there is no doubt or confusion about something, used in both spoken and written language. She clearly explained the instructions It was clearly a bad idea to go out in the storm
evidently	Used when something is obvious based on evidence, often in formal or written contexts. He was evidently late because of the traffic She was evidently the best candidate for the position

Examples of usage

The tension in the room was palpably thick.
His disappointment was palpably evident in his expression.
She could feel the excitement palpably building in the air.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a way that can be touched or felt

In a manner that can be physically touched or felt, often used to describe something tangible or concrete.

Synonyms

concretely, physically, tangibly, touchably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
palpably	Used when describing something that is obvious or easily noticeable, often relating to emotions or atmosphere. The tension in the room was palpably thick. She was palpably excited about the news.
tangibly	Used when describing something that can be perceived by touch or that has a physical form, often used metaphorically. His success was tangibly evident in his new house and car. The benefits of the new policy were tangibly clear.
physically	Used when referring to something related to the body or involving physical presence. She was physically exhausted after the marathon. The book was too large to carry physically.
concretely	Used when discussing something in a specific, clear, or definite manner, often to avoid ambiguity. He explained his ideas very concretely, using specific examples. The project plan was outlined concretely to avoid any misunderstandings.
touchably	Used when discussing something that can be physically touched, often in a literal sense. The fabric was soft and touchably smooth. The statue was placed within reach so it was touchably accessible.

Examples of usage

The texture of the fabric was palpably soft.
The heat from the fire was palpably warm.
The tension in the room was palpably intense.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

In writing, authors often use 'palpably' to create intense emotional moments, helping readers to feel the characters' experiences.
Famous literary works describe love or fear as palpable to evoke strong feelings in readers.
The use of this adverb often adds depth to scenes, allowing readers to feel tension or joy more vividly.

Psychology

Human emotions can sometimes become palpable in social situations, indicating strong group dynamics.
Researchers have discovered that feelings like anxiety or excitement can transform into a palpable atmosphere in crowded places.
Experiencing heightened emotions can make the surrounding environment feel more vivid and alive.

Pop Culture

In movies, a palpable tension can be felt during dramatic scenes, making audiences feel the suspense intensely.
Musical scores often create a palpable sense of urgency or joy, directly influencing the audience's emotional response.
Reality TV shows often highlight palpable rivalries or friendships to engage viewers more deeply.

Origin of 'palpably'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'palpabilis,' meaning 'able to be touched or felt.'
The root 'palp-' relates to touching, which connects to how we experience emotions or situations.
The '-ly' at the end makes it an adverb, showing how strongly something is felt or perceived.

The word 'palpably' originates from the Latin word 'palpabilis', which means perceptible by touch. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. The term has evolved over time to represent a sense of tangible presence or obviousness, making it a versatile adverb in expressing both physical and abstract concepts.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,459, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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