WordGarden.ioinvisible
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪnvˈɪzəbəl/
US
- /ˌɪnˈvɪzəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
impossible or very difficult to see
not noticed, acknowledged, or represented
Beyond the definition
To be invisible is to be impossible to see. In stories, a magic cloak may make a person unseen. In real life, something may be invisible because it is too small to see, like germs, or because human eyes cannot detect it, like some kinds of light. We also use the word in a figurative way. An invisible influence can shape what happens without being obvious. A shy person might feel "invisible" in a crowded room, meaning that other people do not notice them.
The word "invisible" describes something that cannot be seen. In the most literal sense, it refers to something that is outside normal sight. In stories, this may happen through magic, such as a cloak that makes its wearer disappear from view. In real life, things may be invisible because they are too small to see with the naked eye, like bacteria, or because they belong to parts of the light spectrum that humans cannot see.
However, "invisible" is also often used metaphorically. We talk about invisible barriers to success: problems that are not easy to notice but still hold people back. An invisible hand in economics means the unseen forces of supply and demand. Someone who feels ignored or unimportant might say they feel "invisible," meaning that other people overlook them.
Scientists also use "invisible" when discussing things our eyes cannot detect, such as infrared or ultraviolet light. These forms of light are all around us, but we need special tools to notice them.
So whether it is a magical cloak, a microscopic living thing, a hidden social problem, or a kind of light beyond human sight, something is invisible when it cannot be seen. The word can describe both real things and ideas, and it often suggests that something is present even when it is not easy to notice.
Examples
- 1
Physical object
The fishing line was almost invisible in the clear water.
- 2
Biology
Some bacteria are invisible to the naked eye.
- Phraseto the naked eye
without special equipment
- 3
Road visibility
The hotel entrance is nearly invisible from the main road.
- 4
Secret writing
She wrote the message in invisible ink.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workplace feelings
In big meetings, younger employees sometimes feel invisible.
- 6
Unrecognized labor
The article gave attention to the invisible work that keeps the office running.
- 7
Disability
Many people live with invisible disabilities.
- Phrasean invisible disability
a disability that other people may not notice
- 8
Social boundary
There is an invisible line between being friendly and asking too many personal questions.
See also
Similar
- unseen
- not visible
- out of sight
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- invisible to the naked eye
- invisible ink
- invisible barrier
- invisible hand
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- invisibleadjective