adjective
insensible
Too slight or gradual to be noticed.
The temperature rises by insensible degrees throughout the afternoon.
Etymology
The negative prefix reverses sensible in its older meaning perceptible to the senses. An insensible change is therefore too slight or gradual to be perceived.
More examples
- The boundary between the two colors is almost insensible.
- Small, insensible changes gradually reshape the coastline.
- The path slopes downward at an insensible angle.
Forms
insensible
insensibly adverb — In a way that escapes notice.
Similar words
- imperceptible
- Means impossible to detect, not necessarily because change is gradual.
- subtle
- Means hard to notice but still detectable with attention.