imperceptible
im-per-SEP-tuh-buhl
/ˌɪm.pəˈsep.tə.bəl/
So slight, gradual, or subtle that it is not perceived by the senses.
Describes change that is happening, but so slowly or faintly that you can't see it in the moment.
The story behind the word. The root 'percipere' means 'to seize' or 'to take hold of' with the mind. If something is 'imperceptible', your mind simply cannot 'grab' it because it's too faint.
Word relationships
- undetectable: Undetectable often refers to scientific measurement; imperceptible refers to human senses.
- subtle: Subtle means delicate; imperceptible means so delicate it's almost not there.
- obvious: Obvious is easily seen or understood.
- manifest: Manifest means clear or obvious to the eye or mind.
Commonly confused with
- invisible: Invisible means it cannot be seen at all; imperceptible means it's too small or slow to be noticed.
Word family
- perceive (verb): To become aware of something through the senses.
- imperceptibly (adverb): In a way that is not noticeable.
Collocations
- imperceptible change
- imperceptible movement
- almost imperceptible
Example sentences
- "The movement of the glacier was almost imperceptible to the naked eye." Nature
- "There was an imperceptible change in his expression, a slight tightening of the jaw that only she noticed." Literature
Memory hook
IM- (not) + PERCEPTIBLE (able to be perceived). If you can't 'perceive' it, it's 'imperceptible'. Too slow to show.
When not to use
Do not use for things that are clearly visible or obvious.
Fun facts
- The hour hand on a clock moves at an imperceptible speed, yet it eventually circles the whole face.
Explore more words
gradual, unobtrusive, insidious, evanescent, immutable, subliminal
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