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

Some attacks were almost imperceptible at first; others disrupted everyday life and caused division among locals. —Ben Taub, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024

To a casual viewer, the manipulation might have been imperceptible. —Stuart A. Thompson, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2024

The scientists note their attacks could make deep learning systems misclassify images up to 100 percent of the time, and that modified images were imperceptible from real ones to the human eye. —IEEE Spectrum, 4 June 2018

These are variations that might be imperceptible to the casual sushi eater but which can send a connoisseur into raptures. —Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 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