The word palpable has been used in English since the 14th century. It derives from the Latin word palpare, meaning "to stroke" or "to caress"—the same root that gives us the word palpitation. The Latin verb is also a linguistic ancestor of the verb feel. Palpable can be used to describe things that can be felt through the skin, such as a person's pulse, but even more frequently it is used in reference to things that cannot be touched but are still so easy to perceive that it is as though they could be touched—such as "a palpable tension in the air."
perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent.
a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener
sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.
an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature
palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable.
the tension in the air was almost palpable
tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally.
no tangible evidence of UFOs
appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable.
an appreciable increase in income
ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.
exerted a ponderable influence on world events
Example Sentences
A positive patch-test result, measured by a visible and palpable localized response, denotes a delayed hypersensitivity response … Simon Kallal et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 7 Feb. 2008There's a palpable feeling of community here: owner Lee McLemore stocks the store with a surprisingly large wine selection, police chief Andy Williams moonlights in the prepared-foods section and barbecues in the parking lot, and George Watkins personally fills the shelves with his superb tupelo honey. Todd Coleman, Saveur, October 2006When I'm back in nature after months of walking around on concrete and living in boxes, I feel a palpable internal shift. Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth, 2006 I felt a palpable sense of relief. The attraction between them was palpable. There was a palpable excitement in the air as the town prepared for the festival. See More
Recent Examples on the WebThe decade’s less-is-more attitude was palpable at Victor Glemaud, with muted copper pouts, and Sandy Liang, where Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy served as the muse. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2022 Yet there was a more immediate, intimate connection between the musicians that was palpable even from the cheap seats. William Earl, Variety, 15 Sep. 2022 Elizabeth's father King George VI agreed to the union, and the couple's joy was palpable. Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2022 Even though Queen Elizabeth was 96 years old, the sense of shock of her death is palpable here in London.ABC News, 11 Sep. 2022 The frustration was palpable as residents descended upon a city water pickup site at Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School, many returning several days in a row. Scott Dance, Baltimore Sun, 10 Sep. 2022 Second is the push because there is likely to be palpable disappointment in the standard iPhone 14. Gordon Kelly, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 But in the eight months since, the expectations from outside the Eccles Football Center piling high on top of the program have been palpable. Josh Newman, The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 Sep. 2022 The excitement over new quarterback Trey Lance is palpable. Lance Pugmire, USA TODAY, 28 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Late Latin palpabilis, from Latin palpare to stroke, caress — more at feel