imperceptibly
UK[ˌɪmpəˈseptəbli]US[ˌɪmpərˈseptəbli]
adv
in a way that is very slight, gradual, or subtle and therefore difficult to see or notice
Morpheme Breakdown
im
percept
ibly
im
not
percept
perceive
ibly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word "imperceptibly" is built upon the latin verb percipere, a compound of per- ("thoroughly") and capere ("to take, seize"). This root evolved into the english "perceptible," meaning able to be perceived or noticed. The addition of the negative prefix im- (a form of in- before 'p') creates the adjective "imperceptible," meaning not able to be perceived. Finally, the adverbial suffix -ibly is appended to describe the manner of an action. Thus, the literal construction "in a manner that cannot be thoroughly taken in by the senses" elegantly captures the modern meaning of occurring so subtly that it escapes detection.
Analysis
Structure: im (not) + percept (perceive) + ibly (adverb suffix)
- im: a latin prefix meaning "not" or "without".
- percept: from latin percept-, the past participle stem of percipere meaning "to perceive, seize, understand".
- ibly: a latin-derived adverbial suffix meaning "in a manner that can be", forming adverbs from adjectives ending in -ible.
Examples
the seasons change imperceptibly, one day blending into the next.
her expression shifted imperceptibly, a flicker of doubt in her eyes.
the plane was gaining altitude imperceptibly, so the passengers felt no change.