tangible | intangible | tangibly
Meaning(s)
1. something (in)capable of being identified, perceived, or appraised
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Low
Social
How to Memorize
provide tangible benefits
Analysis
Something 'intangible' cannot be touched or is not visually or physically present. This adjective is used to describe things that are difficult to measure or quantify such as emotions, soft skills or feelings. Intangible assets, for example, might include the copyright of something or a trademark. Something 'tangible' is easily perceived and measured.
Social Examples (Advance)
- Everything was so still in the countryside that the silence was almost tangible.
- The police cannot proceed further in the case without some tangible evidence.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- Changes made at the firm resulted in tangible benefits for the staff in the form of increased pay and shorter working hours.
- Kate isn't just a good team leader because of her knowledge and experience, but also because of an intangible quality that makes people want to follow her.
- Most of the company's wealth is tied up in tangible assets such as land and inventory.