Word of the Day

Tuesday March 23, 2010

palpable [PAL-puh-buhl]

adjective

Capable of being touched and felt; perceptible by the touch; as, a palpable form.
Easily perceptible; plain; distinct; obvious; readily perceived and detected; gross; as, palpable imposture; palpable absurdity; palpable errors.

Franken's efforts to improve relations are not limited to Republicans. Several senators and Senate insiders said that a tension between Franken and his Minnesota colleague, Amy Klobuchar, was palpable. ("There's always some of that in a state," said Bob Casey of Pennsylvania.)

Jason Horowitz, "FRANKEN SENSE; He's serious enough. He's funny enough. And doggone it, the sometimes prickly senator realizes colleagues have to like him", The Washington Post, Mar 18, 2010
There is a palpable warmth and caring in Garbage City. Children cluster around strangers, eager to practise their English. Grandmothers smile shyly as newcomers pass by. No one is begging, and most are busy, but always have time to chat.

Cleo Paskal, "One town's trash is one man's ecological treasure; 'Garbage City' pioneer could teach the world a thing or two about sustainable development", Toronto Star, Mar 13, 2010
She died ten years ago, and yet, as I sat there in the sunny stillness, she was a palpable, audible presence.

Henry James (1843 - 1916) An American writer. The Diary of a Man of Fifty (1887)

Origin of the Word

Palpable, approximately 1400, derives from Late Latin palpabilis "that may be touched or felt," from Latin palpare "touch gently, stroke."