imperceptible

adjective

im·​per·​cep·​ti·​ble ˌim-pər-ˈsep-tə-bəl 

: not perceptible by a sense or by the mind : extremely slight, gradual, or subtle

imperceptible differences

imperceptibly

ˌim-pər-ˈsep-tə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• impalpable
• inappreciable
• indistinguishable
• insensible

Examples of imperceptible in a Sentence

These changes will be imperceptible to most people.

a slight difference in hue between the two glasses that's imperceptible unless they're placed side by side

Recent Examples on the Web

Related Articles Magid: For kids, summertime doesn’t have to mean more screen time Being small and almost imperceptible is one of the many advances in modern hearing aids. —Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 13 June 2024

These shifts are imperceptible to the public but tediously negotiated with the union’s help. —Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 June 2024

This effect was imperceptible during music playback and gaming. —Mark Knapp, PCMAG, 5 June 2024

Yet today that snafu is an imperceptible blip on a stock price chart that recently hit all-time highs. —Bygeoff Colvin, Fortune, 4 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin imperceptibilis, from Latin in- + Late Latin perceptibilis perceptible

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

imperceptible

adjective

im·​per·​cep·​ti·​ble ˌim-pər-ˈsep-tə-bəl 

1

: not noticeable : not perceptible by a sense or by the mind

one whose beauty was imperceptible to others

2

: hardly noticeable : very small or gradual

an imperceptible smile

imperceptibly

-blē 

adverb