tangible

/tænʤəbəl/

Origin

From Late Latin tangibilis ("touchable"), from Latin tangere ("to touch")

Definitions

1. Capable of being touched; perceptible by touch

   • "The rough texture of the stone wall was tangible under her fingers."

2. Real, concrete, and able to be understood or realized

   • "We need tangible evidence before making any accusations."

3. Clear and definite; not vague

   • "The company showed tangible progress in the last quarter."

Word Forms

• Noun: tangibility
• Adverb: tangibly
• Antonym: intangible

Synonyms

• palpable
• concrete
• substantial
• material
• physical
• real
• perceptible

Usage Examples

• The contract provided tangible benefits for all employees.
• Her fear was almost tangible in the small room.
• We need tangible results, not just promises.

Memory Tips

• Think "TANG" as in "can TOUCH"
• Remember: If you can touch it, it's tangible
• Associate with "tangent" (a line that touches a curve)

Common Collocations

• tangible assets
• tangible benefits
• tangible results
• tangible evidence

Notes

Often contrasted with "intangible" when discussing business assets (tangible assets like buildings vs. intangible assets like patents)