# palpable

/ˈpæɫpəbəɫ/ (US) · /pˈælpəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/palpable
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

so strong that you can almost feel or touch it. You use this to describe a mood or feeling that is very obvious to everyone.

For teachers: capable of being touched or felt; tangible. Often describes an intense atmosphere or emotion that is so evident it seems physical.

## Examples

- The tension in the room was palpable.
- When the results were announced, the sense of relief among the crowd was palpable.
- The silence in the courtroom became palpable as the jury foreman stood up to deliver the final verdict, which would determine the defendant's fate.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'become', or 'remain'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.