impalpable

/ɪmˈpælpəbəl/

/ɪmˈpælpəbəl/

Impalpable describes a feeling that, though real, you can’t logically explain. If you don't know why you love peanut butter and banana sandwiches so much, maybe your reasons are impalpable.

If you’ve ever used the words “I can’t quite put my finger on it” to describe something that you have observed but can't really explain, then you already have a good idea of what impalpable means. Impalpable traces back to the Latin word palpabilis, meaning “that may be touched or felt.” Combine that with the prefix im-, and the word gets its meaning of something that can’t be perceived by normal senses.

Definitions of impalpable

1. adjective

   not perceptible to the touch
   “an impalpable pulse”

   synonyms:

   imperceptible, unperceivable

   impossible or difficult to perceive by the mind or senses
2. adjective

   incapable of being perceived by the senses especially the sense of touch
   synonyms: intangible

   abstract

   existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment
3. adjective

   imperceptible to the senses or the mind
   “an impalpable cloud”

   “impalpable shadows”

   “impalpable distinctions”

   “as impalpable as a dream”

   synonyms:

   elusive, subtle

   difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze

   imperceptible, unperceivable

   impossible or difficult to perceive by the mind or senses

   antonyms:

   palpable

   capable of being perceived; especially capable of being handled or touched or felt

   perceptible

   easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind

   perceptible

   capable of being perceived by the mind or senses