imperceptibly

/ˌɪmpəˈseptəbli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪmpərˈseptəbli/ (ame, ipa)

imperceptibly — adverb

1. by such a tiny amount, or in such a quiet way, that no one watching or listening

1.副詞C2
釋義

by such a tiny amount, or in such a quiet way, that no one watching or listening can detect the change as it happens.

例句

The temperature in the small office dropped imperceptibly as the afternoon clouds rolled in.

verb + imperceptibly describing a slow physical change

Yara's smile widened almost imperceptibly when Hugo mentioned the surprise trip to Kyoto.

common collocation: almost imperceptibly

同義詞
  • subtly

    can be deliberate; imperceptibly stresses being below the threshold of notice

  • gradually

    stresses slow progress over time; imperceptibly stresses smallness of each moment

  • indiscernibly

    very formal near-synonym; rare outside academic writing

  • slightly

    describes a small amount but the change is still noticeable; imperceptibly is below notice

反義詞

用法筆記

Frequently modifies verbs of slow change (shift, rise, fall, widen, narrow, fade) and is often paired with intensifiers such as 'almost' or 'so'. Distinguish from 'subtly', which implies a deliberate small effect — 'imperceptibly' stresses that no observer could detect it.

常見錯誤

❌The door opened imperceptibly and slammed against the wall.
✅The door opened imperceptibly and stayed slightly ajar.
💡imperceptibly cannot describe a movement that produces an obvious result.
❌She shouted imperceptibly across the room.
✅She whispered almost imperceptibly across the room.
💡imperceptibly only works with quiet or tiny actions.