1
Core quality
Able to be touched; figuratively, real, definite, or clearly perceptible.
Example
The artefact provides tangible evidence of exchange.
tangible
/ˈtændʒəbəl/ · TAN-juh-buladjective
Able to be touched; figuratively, real, definite, or clearly perceptible.
Use tangible to express this relationship precisely: able to be touched; figuratively, real, definite, or clearly perceptible.
What tangible Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The reform produced few tangible benefits in its first year.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
An abstract idea became tangible through the working model.
Use tangible Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The artefact provides tangible evidence of exchange.
The reform produced few tangible benefits in its first year.
An abstract idea became tangible through the working model.
Precision Matters
Tangible overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
tangible
vs.Means able to be touched; figuratively, real, definite, or clearly perceptible.
palpable
Means so noticeable that it seems capable of being felt.
tangible
vs.Means able to be touched; figuratively, real, definite, or clearly perceptible.
discernible
Means noticeable or capable of being perceived or distinguished.
tangible
vs.Means able to be touched; figuratively, real, definite, or clearly perceptible.
imperceptible
Means impossible or extremely difficult to perceive.
tangible
vs.Means able to be touched; figuratively, real, definite, or clearly perceptible.
substantial
Means large or important in size, amount, extent, or significance.
Test tangible in Context
The improvement is definite, measurable, and real.
1
The pilot programme yielded a ___ result: travel time fell by twenty minutes.