palpable

[ pal-puh-buhl ]

adjective

1. readily or plainly seen, heard, perceived, etc.; obvious; evident:

   a palpable lie; palpable absurdity.

   Synonyms: plain, manifest

   Antonyms: obscure

2. capable of being touched or felt; tangible.

   Synonyms: corporeal, material

3. Medicine/Medical. perceptible by palpation.

palpable

/ ˈpælpəbəl /

adjective

1. usually prenominal easily perceived by the senses or the mind; obvious

   the excuse was a palpable lie

2. capable of being touched; tangible
3. med capable of being discerned by the sense of touch

   a palpable tumour

Derived Forms

• ˌpalpaˈbility, noun
• ˈpalpably, adverb

Other Words From

• palpa·bili·ty palpa·ble·ness noun
• palpa·bly adverb
• nonpal·pa·bili·ty noun
• non·palpa·ble adjective
• non·palpa·bly adverb
• un·palpa·ble adjective
• un·palpa·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of palpable¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin palpābilis “touchable,” from palpā(re) “to stroke, touch” ( palpate ¹ ) + -bilis -ble

Word History and Origins

Origin of palpable¹

C14: from Late Latin palpābilis that may be touched, from Latin palpāre to stroke, touch

Example Sentences

The pair are sitting side by side in the Corinthia Hotel the day after the show’s London premiere, and their giddiness about the series is palpable.

From Los Angeles Times

Connor and Zegler are radiant as the young lovers, though the chemistry between them is more of an idea than a palpable reality.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump and his allies channel a palpable anger at individual women for having the gall to walk around like full citizens.

From Salon

“The urgency is palpable as entire parts of the species chain are being removed. As we look to 2030 and beyond, we have the power and opportunity to change the trajectory.”

From Los Angeles Times

The palpable effects of climate change.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apparent
• certain
• conspicuous
• credible
• detectable
• discernible
• distinct
• evident
• noticeable
• perceptible
• remarkable
• unmistakable
• visible