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

As the doors parted and Brittany laid eyes on her man for the first time, an almost imperceptible shadow passed over her face. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2024

Subtle errors, camouflaged in labyrinthine webs of code, become imperceptible at the lightning speed of execution. —Dr. Mithu Storoni, TIME, 16 Sep. 2024

His monologue beautifully picks up on the almost imperceptible kind of nuance that Black folks notice. —Gloria Alamrew, refinery29.com, 22 Jan. 2024

But the newest tool from the company helps hyper personalize the experience based on product titles and descriptions; the changes consumers see are almost imperceptible. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019

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