Final answer:
The word 'impalpable' means something that cannot be physically touched or easily perceived. It is synonymous with 'imperceptible' and 'indiscernible', in contrast to 'palpable' or 'tangible', which refer to things that can be physically handled.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word 'impalpable' can have several related meanings, but they all revolve around the concept of something that cannot be easily grasped or perceived. It is not something that is tangible or palpable, meaning you cannot physically touch or feel it. When comparing the options given in the question, the closest synonyms are 'imperceptible' and 'indiscernible'.
For example, here are some things that are impalpable:
- The soft whisper of the wind is impalpable; you can hear it, but you can't touch it.
- The scent of a flower is impalpable; you can smell it, but it is not a physical object you can handle.
In contrast, something that is palpable or tangible can be physically touched or held. For instance, a book, a telephone, or a pen are palpable items because you can physically touch and interact with them.