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

The key to achieve the color, however, is an imperceptible shade-match. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 5 Dec. 2024

These changes to a piece’s pixels are imperceptible to humans, but reliably fool machines. —Garrison Lovely, TIME, 5 Sep. 2024

This is Brain Rot in action — a subtle, almost imperceptible slide into mental stagnation fueled by the endless funnel of online content. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Some attacks were almost imperceptible at first; others disrupted everyday life and caused division among locals. —Ben Taub, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 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