indiscernible
UK[ˌɪndɪˈsɜːnəbl]US[ˌɪndɪˈsɜːrnəbl]
adj
impossible, or very difficult, to see, hear, or know clearly
Morpheme Breakdown
in
discern
ible
in
not
discern
perceive
ible
capable of being
Etymology
the word "indiscernible" is built from three latin-derived elements. the prefix "in-" negates the core verb "discern", which originates from the latin discernere, itself a compound of "dis-" (apart) and "cernere" (to sift, separate, decide). the suffix "-ible" forms an adjective meaning "able to be". therefore, the literal construction is "not able to be separated or distinguished". over time, this evolved from the concrete act of physically sifting or distinguishing objects to the modern abstract sense of something that cannot be perceived or distinguished clearly by the senses or the mind.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + discern (perceive) + ible (capable of being)
- in: a latin prefix meaning "not".
- discern: from latin discernere, meaning "to separate, distinguish, perceive".
- ible: a latin suffix meaning "capable of being, able to be".
Examples
the line between truth and fiction was almost indiscernible.
there was an indiscernible shift in his attitude.
the two shades of gray are virtually indiscernible to the naked eye.