palpable

/ˈpalpəbəl/

Group 8Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(adjective)
So intense as to seem almost tangible; readily perceived
GRE

Example in Context

The tension in the room was palpable as the jury foreman rose to deliver the verdict in the high-profile corruption trial.

Synonyms

obvioustangibleclear

Etymology

Capable of being touched or felt; intense.

  • palpare (Latin) — to touch or feel
  • -able (Latin) — capable of

Memory Aid

🐂Sounds like “palp a bull

Imagine a bull named PALP charging towards you, so intense you can almost FEEL the ground shake!

Visual Association

🔥A campfire radiating warmth so strong you can almost touch the heat!

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “palpable” mean on the GRE?

palpable (adjective) means “So intense as to seem almost tangible; readily perceived”. The tension in the room was palpable as the jury foreman rose to deliver the verdict in the high-profile corruption trial.

How to remember “palpable” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “palpable” sounds like “palp a bull”. Imagine a bull named PALP charging towards you, so intense you can almost FEEL the ground shake!

What are synonyms for “palpable”?

Common synonyms: obvious, tangible, clear.