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

Truly imperceptible coverage that blends easily and wears ridiculously comfortably. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 3 Sep. 2024

Comprised of nearly twenty urethane resin pours, the 50-inch ultra-thin disc—mounted vertically atop an almost imperceptible translucent pedestal—appeared to be floating. —Tara Anne Dalbow, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2024

Well, there are about a trillion guides for which widget will make an imperceptible improvement to your hike. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 14 Aug. 2024

The model showed the waves rippling across the underbellies of the continents at a rate of 15 to 20 kilometers per million years, an imperceptible fraction of a sloth’s pace. —Byhannah Richter, science.org, 7 Aug. 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