Tangible Meaning and Definition
Tangible
Pronunciation
/ˈtæŋɡɪbəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A thing that can be perceived through the senses, such as touch, sight, taste, hearing, or smell, often referring to physical objects, but also to emotions, ideas, or concepts that have a substantial or concrete quality.
Etymology
From Latin “tangibilis”, from “tangere”, to touch, from “tenuis”, thin.
Usage Notes
Tangible items can be held, touched, or perceived through other senses, whereas intangible things are abstract, invisible, or non-physical.
Cultural References
Examples of tangible things include money, furniture, and artwork, whereas concepts like love or freedom are intangible.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To take something tangible
- Make something tangible
Related Words or Phrases
- Intangible
- Concrete
- Solid
Collocations
- Tangible results
- Tangible assets
Frequency of Use
Tangible is a commonly used word in both informal and formal contexts, especially in fields like business, marketing, and philosophy.
Common Misspellings
- Tangable
- Tangible