indiscernible
/,indi'sə:nəbl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Barely able to be perceived; extremely slight or subtle: Describes something so faint, small, or gradual that it is almost impossible to notice or detect with the senses.
- Difficult or impossible to perceive or discern; indistinguishable: Describes something that cannot be clearly seen, distinguished, or separated from its surroundings or from something else.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The line between the two colors was indiscernible. (The boundary was so subtle it could not be seen.)
- There has been an indiscernible shift in public opinion over the last month. (The change has been so gradual it is nearly impossible to measure.)
- The ship became indiscernible in the thick fog. (The ship could no longer be distinguished from the fog.)
Advanced Usage
- "Indiscernible to the naked eye": Not visible without the aid of a microscope or other magnifying tool.
- The microorganism was indiscernible to the naked eye.
- "Indiscernible from": So similar as to be impossible to tell apart from something else.
- The counterfeit was virtually indiscernible from the original painting.
Variants and Related Words
- Indiscernibly (adverb): In a way that cannot be perceived.
- The temperature increased indiscernibly over several hours.
- Discernible (adjective): The direct opposite; able to be perceived or recognized.
- A discernible improvement in her health.
Synonyms
- Imperceptible: Impossible to perceive.
- Invisible: Unable to be seen.
- Undetectable: Not able to be discovered or identified.
- Inappreciable: Too small or insignificant to be valued or perceived.
Antonyms
- Discernible: Able to be seen or understood.
- Noticeable: Easily seen or noticed; clear.
- Obvious: Easily perceived or understood; clear.
- Pronounced: Very noticeable or marked.
Adjective
- barely able to be perceived
- the transition was almost indiscernible
- an almost insensible change
- difficult or impossible to perceive or discern
- an indiscernible increase in temperature