palpably
UK[ˈpælpəbli]US[ˈpælpəbli]
adv
in a way that is obvious or easily noticed; tangibly
Morpheme Breakdown
palp
able
ly
palp
touch
able
capable of
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'palpably' originates from the latin verb palpare, meaning 'to touch or stroke gently'. this root gave rise to the latin adjective palpabilis, meaning 'that can be touched or felt', which entered english as 'palpable'. the suffix '-able' indicates capability, transforming the action of touching into a quality of being perceptible. the adverbial suffix '-ly' was later added, shifting the adjective into an adverb that describes the manner of being so evident it is almost tangible. thus, the literal sense of being 'touchable' evolved into the modern abstract meaning of being intensely obvious or unmistakable.
Analysis
Structure: palp (touch) + able (capable of) + ly (adverb suffix)
palp (from latin palpare, meaning 'to touch, stroke'), able (from latin -abilis, suffix forming adjectives meaning 'capable of'), ly (from old english -lice, suffix forming adverbs from adjectives)
Examples
the tension in the room was palpably uncomfortable.
his relief was palpably evident when the good news arrived.
there is a palpably different atmosphere in the city during the festival.