palpable
What does "palpable" mean?
The word "palpable" describes something that is so intense or obvious that it feels as if it could be touched or physically felt, even if it is an abstract concept like an emotion or an atmosphere. Imagine walking into a room where people are arguing; you don't need to hear a word to know the tension is "palpable"—it hangs in the air like a heavy curtain. While it literally means "capable of being touched," you will almost exclusively encounter it in figurative contexts. It is frequently used to describe feelings like excitement, fear, or tension. Because it carries a certain weight and sophistication, it is best reserved for formal writing or serious, descriptive speech rather than casual everyday conversation.
"palpable" in conversation
Post-game locker room
The relief in this room is palpable.
The relief in this room is palpable.
We really needed that win.
We really needed that win.
Used to describe a collective mood that everyone can sense.
Office meeting
The silence after the CEO's announcement was palpable.
The silence after the CEO's announcement was palpable.
I could barely breathe in there.
I could barely breathe in there.
Highlights how a social atmosphere can be intense enough to feel physical.
"palpable" in a sentence
There was a palpable sense of excitement in the crowd.
There was a palpable sense of excitement in the crowd.
The tension between the two rivals became palpable during the debate.
The tension between the two rivals became palpable during the debate.
Despite his attempt to act calm, his palpable anxiety betrayed him.
Despite his attempt to act calm, his palpable anxiety betrayed him.
