intangible
Unable to be touched; not having physical presence
Examples
In a meeting
“Brand reputation is an intangible asset that's difficult to quantify.”
Over coffee
“There's something intangible about this place that makes it feel special.”
Why this word
abstract
Intangible specifically means unable to be touched or physically grasped, while abstract means conceptual or theoretical
vague
Intangible indicates something without physical form but possibly clear in concept, while vague means unclear or indefinite
unclear
Intangible refers to lack of physical substance, while unclear refers to lack of comprehensibility
Usage tip
Use for abstract concepts, feelings, or assets that can't be physically measured or touched.
Etymology
Latin 'intangibilis' from 'in-' (not) + 'tangere' (to touch)
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Related words
perpetual
Never ending or changing; occurring continuously.
ample
More than enough; plentiful and sufficient.
versatile
Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
inadvertent
Not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning; unintentional.
palpable
So intense as to seem almost touchable; easily perceived
replete
Filled or well-supplied with something, abundantly provided