Palpable
hardNeutral tonePAL-puh-bul
adjective
Definition
so intense as to seem almost touchable; readily perceived
Memory hook
PALPABLE: imagine you could PALP (pat) the dread in the room with your PALM — it's so thick the fear feels almost touchable.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The tension in the courtroom was palpable as the verdict was read.”
“A palpable sense of relief swept through the crowd when the missing child appeared.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The tension in the courtroom was ______ as the verdict was read.”
Show answer
palpable
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Palpable is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "tangible" or "perceptible" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "imperceptible".
Related GRE Words
apparent
Clearly visible or understood; seeming real or true but not necessarily so
patent
(adjective) Easily recognizable; obvious; blatant
evident
Plain or obvious; clearly seen or understood
astute
Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage
concrete
Existing in a material or physical form; specific rather than general
insensible
unaware, unconscious, or incapable of feeling
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