imperceptible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imperceptible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is so small or subtle that it cannot be perceived or noticed. Example: "The changes in temperature were imperceptible to the average person, but the scientists measured them precisely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unlike the jarring, ruthless, civilisational changes of the 1990s, the changes to Moscow over the past five years were almost imperceptible on a month-to-month basis.

The Guardian

He is a comedian, but on stage this evening he has the detachment of a technician conducting a science experiment: night after night, he will make fractional tweaks to the syntax or the emphasis of a line and gauge the fractional, almost imperceptible response of the audience.

The Guardian

So what happens at Bali matters, though the declaration that comes out of it will be encrypted in diplomatic language, and the difference between success and failure will be imperceptible to the untrained eye.Experienced code-breakers will be looking, essentially, for three things by which to judge whether Bali has been a success or a failure.

The Economist

PEOPLE knew it was there: the vast amazing country of Gulag which, "though scattered in an Archipelago geographically, was, in the psychological sense, fused into a continent an almost invisible, almost imperceptible country".

The Economist

The "ASEAN way" involves consensus, bonhomie and progress that is at best incremental and often imperceptible.

The Economist

But reduced carbon emissions would also stem ocean acidification which, for all its effects on pretty coral reefs, is both abstract and imperceptible to most people.

The Economist

It is just as much a matter of interpreting the near imperceptible facial tics or equally subtle body language the "tell"—of your opponents across the table.

The Economist

Unlike other strains that ravage poultry, such as H5N1, which has also killed 360 people worldwide since 2003, H7N9 seems to be imperceptible in its animal hosts.

The Economist

But in lots of imperceptible ways, from better traffic management to bins that tweet when they are ready to be emptied, city life is getting better.Source: The research on switching the modes of hybrid cars is a joint project of the Fraunhofer FOKUS Institute, the Hamilton Institute at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, and the Technical University of Berlin.

The Economist

But soon, it will start to fill up with blue tubes whose deviation from straightness is imperceptible to the naked eye.

The Economist

Solutions of quantum dots in chloroform glow vividly when illuminated with ultraviolet light, turning light that is imperceptible to human eyes into bright colours (see picture below).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imperceptible" to describe changes, differences, or variations that are so slight as to be virtually undetectable by the senses or measurement.

Common error

Avoid using "imperceptible" when you mean "inconceivable". "Imperceptible" refers to something that cannot be easily perceived, while "inconceivable" refers to something that cannot be imagined or believed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "imperceptible" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns by describing them as not easily noticed or detected. As shown by Ludwig, "imperceptible" appears most often describing changes, differences, or effects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "imperceptible" functions as an adjective used to describe something that is so subtle or gradual that it's difficult to perceive or notice. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains. Its meaning is akin to words such as "undetectable", "unnoticeable", and "indiscernible". It is essential to distinguish "imperceptible" from "inconceivable", and its appropriate usage often involves emphasizing the subtlety of changes or differences. The widespread occurrence of "imperceptible" in news, scientific, and formal business writing indicates its versatility and importance in describing slight or gradual phenomena.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undetectable

Focuses on the inability to detect something, emphasizing the lack of evidence or signal.

unnoticeable

Highlights the fact that something does not attract attention or is not easily noticed.

indiscernible

Emphasizes the inability to distinguish something from its surroundings or other similar things.

minute

Implies extreme smallness in size or degree, making something hard to perceive.

subtle

Suggests a delicate or understated quality that is not immediately obvious.

negligible

Indicates that something is so small or unimportant that it can be disregarded.

faint

Describes something weak or lacking intensity, making it difficult to perceive clearly.

invisible

Highlights the complete inability to see something, often implying a lack of physical presence.

inaudible

Specifically refers to something that cannot be heard, indicating a lack of sound.

unseen

Emphasizes that something is not visible, often implying that it is hidden or overlooked.

FAQs

How can I use "imperceptible" in a sentence?

You can use "imperceptible" to describe changes or differences that are so subtle they are almost impossible to notice. For example: "The shift in the stock's value was "imperceptible" to casual observers."

What's a good alternative to "imperceptible"?

Alternatives include "undetectable", "unnoticeable", or "indiscernible". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "almost imperceptible"?

Yes, "almost imperceptible" is a common and correct usage. It emphasizes that something is very close to being undetectable but might still be faintly sensed or measured.

What's the difference between "imperceptible" and "negligible"?

"Imperceptible" refers to something that cannot be easily perceived by the senses, while "negligible" refers to something so small or unimportant that it can be disregarded. A change can be "imperceptible" because it's too subtle to notice, or "negligible" because it's too small to matter.