Invisible

Definition

Unable to be seen; not visible to the naked eye.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈvɪzəbəl/
• Respelling: in-VIZ-uh-buhl (with "in" as in "tin," "VIZ" as in "quiz," and "uh-buhl" as in "trouble")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈvɪzəbl/
• Respelling: in-VIZ-uh-buhl (with "in" as in "tin," "VIZ" as in "quiz," and "uh-buhl" as in "trouble")

In both dialects, "invisible" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "VIZ." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "in-VIZ-uh-buhl."

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "invisibilis", which is a combination of "in-" (meaning "not") and "visibilis" (meaning "visible"), denoting the opposite of being able to be seen.

Derivatives

• Invisibility
• Invisibly
• Invisible ink
• Invisible hand
• Invisibleness

Synonyms

• Unseen
• Hidden
• Undetectable

Antonyms

• Visible
• Observable
• Noticeable

Usage

"Invisible" is used to describe objects, forces, or concepts that cannot be seen, either because they are too small, transparent, or beyond the capability of human vision.

Related Terms

• Transparency
• Camouflage
• Concealment
• Obscure
• Intangible

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Invisible (Adjective): Not able to be seen.
  • Example: "The stars are invisible during the daytime."

• Invisible (Adjective): Not perceptible or discernible by the mind.
  • Example: "The invisible hand of the market regulates supply and demand."

Noun

• Invisible (Noun, plural: invisibles): People or things that are not visible or not noticed.
  • Example: "The economic report focused on the impact of the invisibles in society."

Note: The term "invisible" primarily pertains to the state of not being perceptible to the sight, but it can also refer to a metaphorical sense of being overlooked or not recognized.