tangible

Everyday

1. Tangible means real and able to be touched: a tangible object. tree →
2. Tangible means clear and definite enough to be seen or measured: tangible results, tangible proof. tree →

In the lessons

In school reports and news, «tangible progress» or «tangible results» means real changes you can see. In money and business, «tangible things» are physical things like buildings and machines. In science, evidence should be tangible. In stories, a feeling can be so strong it is almost «tangible», as if you could touch it. Phrases: «tangible evidence», «tangible results», «tangible benefits».

Examples

• We need tangible proof, not just rumours. tree →
• The new playground is a tangible result of our fundraising. tree →
• Her reading made tangible progress this term. tree →
• The excitement in the hall was almost tangible. tree →
• A book is tangible, but a story in your head is not. tree →
• The detective wanted tangible evidence like fingerprints. tree →

Note

Opposite: «intangible» (cannot be touched, like ideas, feelings or skills). Formal word. Related to «touch» in Latin.

In Jewish tradition

In school reports and news, «tangible progress» or «tangible results» means real changes you can see. In money and business, «tangible things» are physical things like buildings and machines. In science, evidence should be tangible. In stories, a feeling can be so strong it is almost «tangible», as if you could touch it. Phrases: «tangible evidence», «tangible results», «tangible benefits».

Examples

• On another, it refers to something less tangible, approaching the kind of phantom essence implied by the English term ‘soul’. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Opposite: «intangible» (cannot be touched, like ideas, feelings or skills). Formal word. Related to «touch» in Latin.