Impalpable

Impalpable describes something that cannot be physically felt or touched; it exists beyond the realm of physical sensation. It can also signify something that is difficult to grasp mentally, abstract, or intangible, often referring to concepts, emotions, or qualities. This 'unknowable' quality can manifest in situations where the subject matter lacks a concrete form or a distinct presence, making it elusive to perception. Impalpability can lead to a sense of mystery, subtlety, or ambiguity. Understanding the nuances of the word requires acknowledging its multi-faceted applications, spanning the realm of the physical and the conceptual.

Impalpable meaning with examples

• The grief that washed over her after the loss of her father was Impalpable, a heavy cloak she couldn't physically feel, but which pressed down on her spirit nonetheless. It lingered in the air, an absence that filled every space, leaving her constantly aware of the void that had opened in her life. Though unseen and unfelt, its effect was profound and pervasive.
• He tried to articulate his feelings, but the core of his anxiety remained impalpable. The worry hung in the air, a constant presence that he was unable to pin down or grasp with his mind. The precise source eluded him, leaving him with a sense of unease that permeated his every thought and action, making him constantly on edge without a definitive cause.
• The beauty of the sunset was impalpable; a sensation in the air that moved them all to silence, yet was more felt than observed. The colors shifted and swirled, a canvas of light that was too radiant to fully grasp with his eyes. The feeling filled the observers’ hearts, making them feel something akin to a spiritual experience.
• The artist attempted to capture the Impalpable quality of light on the water in his painting. He spent weeks attempting to convey the sense of reflection and refraction, and could only get a sense of that elusive quality. While it was not something that could be directly transferred to canvas, the feeling it gave could be felt through his depictions.
• The idea of social responsibility was, for many of the business leaders, an Impalpable concept. Many of them understood the words, but struggled to connect them to their actions. While they knew they were supposed to uphold the ethical codes, they struggled to understand them as something worth acting on.