tangible

[ tan-juh-buhl ]

adjective

1. capable of being touched; discernible by the touch; material or substantial.

   Synonyms: corporeal, palpable

2. real or actual, rather than imaginary or visionary:

   the tangible benefits of sunshine.

   Synonyms: perceptible, genuine, certain

3. definite; not vague or elusive:

   no tangible grounds for suspicion.

   Synonyms: specific

4. (of an asset) having actual physical existence, as real estate or chattels, and therefore capable of being assigned a value in monetary terms.

noun

1. something tangible, especially a tangible asset.

tangible

/ ˈtændʒəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being touched or felt; having real substance

   a tangible object

2. capable of being clearly grasped by the mind; substantial rather than imaginary

   tangible evidence

3. having a physical existence; corporeal

   tangible assets

noun

1. often plural a tangible thing or asset

Derived Forms

• ˌtangiˈbility, noun
• ˈtangibly, adverb

Other Words From

• tangi·bili·ty tangi·ble·ness noun
• tangi·bly adverb
• non·tangi·ble adjective
• non·tangi·ble·ness noun
• non·tangi·bly adverb
• pre·tangi·ble adjective
• pre·tangi·bly adverb
• quasi-tangi·ble adjective
• quasi-tangi·bly adverb
• un·tangi·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tangible¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Late Latin tangibilis, from Latin tang(ere) “to touch” + -ibilis -ible; tangent ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of tangible¹

C16: from Late Latin tangibilis, from Latin tangere to touch

Example Sentences

While acknowledging that inmate numbers need to be reduced, Victim Support Scotland called for "tangible" action to protect members of the public.

From BBC

On Monday Moscow said any such attack would prompt an "appropriate and tangible response".

From BBC

Russia says the use of US long-range missiles by Ukraine will lead to "an appropriate and tangible" response.

From BBC

But despite attempts from the best scientists and philosophers, what color truly is, if it’s even anything tangible, remains elusive.

From Salon

The freedom he gives them is an almost tangible source of power.

From New York Times