In recent years "palpable" is much used by columnists as an approximate synonym for "clear". How did the use of "palpable" become so widespread? What is the difference in meaning between the two words?
The original meaning of "palpable" was "capable of being touched," from the Latin verb palpare, "to touch." But over the years its meaning has been expanded to include virtually any way of sensing something, even an abstraction like an idea or a premonition.
Can you give an example? You don't have to quote something, just a paraphrase, for context. Here I would suggest that the word is being used as its original meaning, just metaphorically. Or virtually. The idea was so clear, it was virtually palpable.
Aye, "the tension was palpable" and so forth. The tension was so thick that you could almost touch it. It means more than simply being clear, and other than a possible increase in usage, I'm not sure its being used incorrectly. Although its possibly a cliched expression now.
pal·pate \ˈpal-ˌpāt\ medical : to examine (part of the body) by touching it Full Definition transitive verb : to examine by touch especiallymedically Other forms: pal·pat·ed; pal·pat·ing pal·pa·tion \pal-ˈpā-shən\noun Origin: probably back-formation frompalpation, from Latin palpation-, palpatio, from palpare. First use: circa 1852 Mirriam-Webster Palpations of the heart Normally you are not aware of your heart beat However if it begins to beat with a irregular rhythm you feel Palpations Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
You are confusing palpate with palpitate. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! When you become aware of your heart beat it is usually due to palpitations, the word stemming from the Latin "palpitare" meaning "to throb" or to "flutter". This is different to palpate meaning "to examine through touch". However the two words are linked, in that palpitare is the frequentative of palpare. Much like chatter is the frequentative of chat - i.e. expressing frequent repetition.
palpate [pal-peyt] verb (used with object), pal·pat·ed,pal·pat·ing. to examine by touch, especially for the purpose of diagnosing disease or illness. Origin of palpate 1840–50; < Latin palpātus, past participle of palpāre to stroke, touch; see palpus, -ate1 palpitation Origin late Middle English: from Latin palpitatio(n- ), from the verb palpitare (see ). palpitate Origin early 17th century: from Latin palpitat- ‘patted’, from the verb palpitare, frequentative of palpare ‘touch gently’ Google I will concede I miss spelt PALPITATION as PALPATIONS I blame a life long dyslexia Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! Not palatable either Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
But is it something that Palpatine would have said? Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!