intangible
UK: ɪnˈtændʒəbl | US: ɪnˈtændʒəbl
adj. unable to be touched or grasped; not having physical presence
adj. difficult to define or understand; abstract
n. (intangibles) assets that lack physical form (e.g., goodwill, intellectual property)
intangible = in<not> + tang<touch> + ible<capable of>
- in-: Prefix meaning "not" (from Latin in-).
- tang: Root meaning "touch" (from Latin tangere, "to touch").
- -ible: Suffix meaning "capable of" (from Latin -ibilis).
Etymology Origin:
The word intangible originates from Latin intangibilis, combining in- (negation) + tangere (to touch) + -ibilis (ability). It entered English in the early 17th century, initially describing things that cannot be physically touched. Over time, it expanded to abstract concepts (e.g., emotions, ideas) and legal/financial terms (e.g., intangible assets). The logic follows Latin’s precise negation structure, preserving the root tang- (seen in tangible, contact).
Happiness is an intangible feeling that cannot be measured.
The company’s intangible assets include its brand reputation.
His argument relied on intangible evidence, making it hard to refute.
The artist aimed to capture the intangible beauty of nature.
Trust is an intangible yet crucial element in relationships.