impermeable

/im'pə:mjəbl/

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Word: Impermeable

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "impermeable" describes something that prevents liquids or gases from passing through it. If something is impermeable, it does not allow water or another liquid to seep through.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "impermeable" to describe materials (like certain types of stones, plastics, or fabrics) that do not let water pass through.
• It can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as describing a person’s emotions or thoughts that are not easily affected or influenced by outside factors.

Examples:

1. Material Context: "The rubber boots are impermeable, so your feet will stay dry in the rain."
2. Abstract Context: "Her impermeable confidence helped her handle criticism without feeling upset."

Advanced Usage:

In scientific or technical contexts, "impermeable" is often used to describe geological layers that do not allow water to move through them, such as clay layers in soil that can prevent water from reaching deeper layers.

Word Variants:

• Impermeability (noun): The quality of being impermeable.
  • Example: "The impermeability of the material makes it ideal for waterproof clothing."
• Impermeably (adverb): In a way that prevents the passage of liquids or gases.
  • Example: "The ground was impermeably sealed, preventing any water from soaking in."

Different Meanings:

While "impermeable" primarily refers to the inability to allow liquids or gases to pass through, in some contexts, it can metaphorically describe something that is unyielding or unaffected by external influences.

Synonyms:

• Waterproof
• Non-porous
• Sealed
• Impassable

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly include "impermeable," but you might encounter phrases that use similar concepts like "waterproof" or "sealed tight."

Summary:

In summary, "impermeable" means something that does not allow liquids or gases to pass through.

Academic

Adjective

1. preventing especially liquids to pass or diffuse through
   • impermeable stone
   • an impermeable layer of scum
   • a coat impermeable to rain