adjective / noun
intangible
in-TAN-juh-buhl/ˌɪntˈændʒʌbʌl/
Not physically touchable or readily measured.
The rainbow is intangible even though the prism producing it can be held.
Etymology
The pieces deny touchability, not reality or importance. Something intangible cannot be physically touched, even though its effects or value may still matter.
In context
the mental demand seems an unreal power because it is intangible but it is the mightiest power in the world
More examples
- The job offers intangible rewards, including a sense of purpose.
- Unlike the printed book, its copyright is intangible.
- Leadership and confidence are intangibles that statistics cannot capture.
Forms
intangible · intangibles
intangibility noun — The quality of lacking physical substance.
Similar words
- nonphysical
- Emphasizes lacking physical existence rather than merely resisting measurement.
- abstract
- Describes ideas or concepts rather than concrete objects or instances.
- immeasurable
- Emphasizes inability to measure, including things with physical substance.