imperceptibility etymology

Etymology

• Latin: impercept- + -ibilis (suffix forming adjectives denoting capability)

Meaning

• Too slight or gradual to be perceived; not noticeable

Origin

Imperceptibility entered the English language in the 17th century, derived from the Latin "impercept-," meaning "not perceived," and "-ibilis," a suffix used to form adjectives denoting capability. The Latin root, "percept-," is from the verb "percipere," meaning "to perceive, to apprehend with the mind."

The earliest known use of "imperceptibility" in English appears in the 1658 work "The History of the Royal Society of London" by Thomas Sprat:

"The truth of this is well known to the Microscope-makers, and to them that have made any curious Observations with it: For it is almost incredible, as well as imperceptible, how some little bodies, quite beyond the reach of the naked eye, are yet very discernable by the help of that Instrument."

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