palpable

USAGE SUMMARY

'palpable' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling or atmosphere that is easily perceived. For example, "The tension in the room was palpable; everyone seemed to be holding their breath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The tension was palpable.

The New York Times

I met him only after I became master of St Peter's College, Oxford, but he had a palpable gift for friendship and within minutes of our first encounter he was coming up with schemes and plots to help the college.

The Guardian

While her and her father's book addresses the individual necessity and pursuit of forgiveness, Mpho says it is also a fundamental part of the future of South Africa, the country she still lives in, and said there are still palpable resentments that need to be addressed.

The Guardian

Everything was done to avert that prospect and when it was called off the relief in Downing Street was palpable: "The news was announced this afternoon and represents a massive blow to [Arthur] Scargill," read the "secret and personal"' daily coal report for Wednesday 24 October.

The Guardian

The passion for books is palpable, and the life of the mind celebrated whether fiction or cookbooks, poetry, biography or science, or politics, or philosophy or architecture or history – and always an air of anticipation, especially this year when the referendum on Scottish independence will be just a month away, and the festival an arena for debate just as it was last year.

The Guardian - Books

In particular, the introductions to both parts betray a much more generous sense of lyricism, enveloped in a palpable sense of mystery.

The Guardian - Music

Certainly in Sydney I think it is having a palpable impact on young people trying to get into the housing market, and I think that is highly unfortunate".

The Guardian

Such alternative outcomes are articulated in a palpable sense of marginalisation among Ukip supporters on the streets of Margate.

The Guardian

Concerns about the aims of expanding Kremlin-backed media outlets are especially palpable in Russia's EU member neighbours, the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which all have significant Russian-speaking minorities, as does Ukraine.

The Guardian

This small gift, coming as it does after the harrowing things he has experienced, is transmuted into an almost miraculous event, and his giddiness at the prospect of satiety is palpable.

The Guardian - Books

Looking at town halls of the past - from Victorian Britain to modern functionalism - there is a palpable sense of pomp and authority.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "palpable" to describe atmospheres, emotions, or sensations that are strongly felt or easily perceived. For example, "The excitement in the crowd was palpable".

Common error

Avoid using "palpable" to describe physical objects that are simply touchable. Instead, reserve it for intangible things like tension, fear, or excitement that are intensely felt.

Linguistic Context

The word "palpable" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a quality that is easily perceived or felt. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates something that is obvious or noticeable, often referring to intangible qualities like tension or excitement. It can also relate to something that can be detected through palpation, a medical examination technique.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "palpable" functions as an adjective to describe something easily perceived or felt, often relating to intangible qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. To avoid misuse, remember that while technically applicable to touchable objects, it is more effective when used to describe intensely felt emotions or atmospheres. Synonyms include "readily apparent" and "easily noticeable". By understanding its function and appropriate contexts, you can enhance your writing with vivid and precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmistakably clear

Conveys that there is no doubt or confusion about what is being perceived.

unquestionably obvious

Stresses the lack of any doubt regarding the clarity and obviousness of something.

readily apparent

Changes from a single adjective to an adverb-adjective phrase, emphasizing ease of perception.

tangibly present

Emphasizes the physical presence and impact of something, making it almost touchable.

clearly evident

Emphasizes the unambiguous nature of something that can be seen or understood.

easily noticeable

Uses a different adverb-adjective combination to highlight how simple it is to observe something.

patently obvious

Indicates that something is so obvious it's almost absurd to point it out.

plainly obvious

Suggests something is very straightforward and requires little effort to perceive.

readily discernible

Highlights the ease with which something can be distinguished or recognized.

distinctly perceptible

Highlights the quality of being noticeable by the senses.

FAQs

How do you use "palpable" in a sentence?

You can use "palpable" to describe something that is easily perceived or obvious, such as "The tension in the room was palpable" or "There was a palpable sense of relief after the announcement".

What are some synonyms for "palpable"?

Alternatives to "palpable" include "easily noticeable", "clearly evident", or "tangibly present", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "palpable" to describe a physical object?

While "palpable" technically means capable of being touched or felt, it is more commonly used to describe intangible things that are easily perceived or obvious. Using it for a physical object might sound unusual. Consider using "tangible" instead.

What is the difference between "palpable" and "apparent"?

"Palpable" suggests something is so obvious it can almost be felt, while "apparent" simply means something is visible or easily understood. "The tension was palpable" suggests an intense feeling, whereas "The reason was apparent" means the reason was easily understood.