palpable
Meaning: So intense as to be almost physically tangible; easily perceived or obvious. In medicine, able to be felt by touch during examination.
Palpable is most commonly used figuratively to describe intangible things — emotions, atmospheres, tensions — that are so strong they seem almost physical. 'A palpable sense of relief' or 'palpable tension' suggests an intensity that can be felt in the air. In clinical medicine, a 'palpable mass' or 'palpable lump' is one that can be detected by touch. Common collocations include 'palpable tension,' 'palpable sense of,' 'palpable relief,' and 'palpable excitement.'
Examples
- The tension in the courtroom was palpable as the jury filed back in to deliver their verdict. 当陪审团鱼贯而入宣读判决时,法庭里的紧张气氛几乎触手可及。La tensión en la sala del tribunal era palpable cuando el jurado volvió a entrar para emitir su veredicto.陪審員たちが評決を言い渡すために戻ってきた時、法廷内の緊張感は手に取るように感じられた。배심원들이 평결을 내리기 위해 다시 들어왔을 때, 법정 안의 긴장감은 손에 잡힐 듯했다.
- There was a palpable sense of relief among staff when the threat of redundancies was finally lifted. 当裁员威胁终于解除时,员工中弥漫着一种切实可感的如释重负。Hubo una palpable sensación de alivio entre el personal cuando la amenaza de despidos fue finalmente retirada.リストラの脅威がようやく取り除かれた時、スタッフの間には明白な安堵感が漂った。정리해고의 위협이 마침내 해소되었을 때, 직원들 사이에는 손에 잡힐 듯한 안도감이 감돌았다.
- The examination revealed a palpable mass in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. 检查发现腹部右下象限有一个可触及的肿块。La exploración reveló una masa palpable en el cuadrante inferior derecho del abdomen.診察により、腹部右下象限に触知可能な腫瘤が認められた。진찰 결과 복부 우하복부에 촉지 가능한 종괴가 발견되었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: journalism, medical, literary
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin 'palpabilis' meaning that may be touched or felt, from 'palpare' (to touch gently, stroke). The figurative sense of obviously perceptible developed in English by the 15th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from General Advanced
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free