imperceptibly — in a way that is so slight, gradual, or subtle that it is not noticeable
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: in a way that is so slight, gradual, or subtle that it is not noticeable
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌɪmpərˈsɛptəbli/
Example Sentences
- My dad's hair is imperceptibly turning gray, but he still blames the 'bad shampoo'.
- She imperceptibly rolled her eyes so the strict teacher wouldn't notice.
- The glacier moves imperceptibly, yet over decades it reshapes entire valleys.
imperceptibly
ADVERB[/ˌɪmpərˈsɛptəbli/]
in a way that is so slight, gradual, or subtle that it is not noticeable
The sundial's shadow moves imperceptibly across the ancient courtyard stones.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Imperceptibly derives from Latin percipere, meaning 'to seize completely' or 'to perceive', combined with the negative prefix im-, forming imperceptible ('not perceptible'). The adverbial suffix -ly was then added to create the adverb imperceptibly, meaning 'in a manner not perceptible or barely noticeable'.
Breakdown
im- (not, negative prefix) + percept- (from Latin percipere, to perceive/seize) + -ible (capable of being) + -ly (in the manner of, adverbial suffix).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My dad's hair is imperceptibly turning gray, but he still blames the 'bad shampoo'.”
“She imperceptibly rolled her eyes so the strict teacher wouldn't notice.”
“The glacier moves imperceptibly, yet over decades it reshapes entire valleys.”
“My phone battery percentage drops imperceptibly at first, then suddenly it's at 1%.”
📚Related Words
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