tangible
C1Formal / Neutral
Definition
Meaning
Able to be touched; physically perceptible; having material form and substance.
Clear, definite, and real; not abstract or imaginary, often implying something can be understood, proven, or measured concretely.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word often serves as a bridge between the physical ('touchable') and the metaphorical ('real and substantial'). In modern usage, the metaphorical sense of 'clear and definite' (e.g., tangible benefits) is more common than the literal 'touchable' sense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally common and carries the same connotations in both varieties.
Connotations
Consistently positive, suggesting concreteness, reality, and substance.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in professional and academic registers than in casual conversation in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be + tangiblehave + tangible + nounbecome + tangiblemake + something + tangibleprovide + tangible + nounVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tangible assets (business/finance)”
- “in tangible form”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to physical assets like property and equipment (e.g., 'The company's tangible assets were valued at £5 million.').
Academic
Used to describe measurable or demonstrable outcomes (e.g., 'The research failed to yield any tangible improvements.').
Everyday
Used to describe clear, noticeable results or feelings (e.g., 'After weeks of training, I felt a tangible improvement in my fitness.').
Technical
In law and accounting, denotes property with physical existence. In computing, refers to user interfaces involving touch.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The plans must be translated into tangible action.
- They demanded some tangible guarantee of his intentions.
American English
- We need tangible results, not just promises.
- The sculpture was the only tangible reminder of her visit.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A rock is a tangible thing.
- The new policy has had no tangible effect on our daily lives.
- He promised tangible rewards for our hard work.
- Despite their enthusiasm, the project team failed to produce any tangible deliverables on schedule.
- The fear in the room was almost tangible after the announcement.
- The economist argued that the intangible benefits of education, such as social cohesion, are as important as the tangible ones like higher earnings.
- The lawyer sought more tangible evidence to corroborate the witness's testimony.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'TANGible' – it sounds like 'TANG' (as in a sharp, pointy thing you can feel) + 'IBLE' (able to be). Something you can 'tang' (touch/feel).
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS TOUCHING / REALITY IS SOLID. We conceptualize understanding and certainty through physical contact and solidity (e.g., 'a tangible argument,' 'grasp an idea').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'осязаемый' in most contexts, as it is overly literal and bookish. For 'tangible benefits/results,' use 'реальные/ощутимые/конкретные преимущества/результаты.' 'Материальный' is appropriate for assets/property.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'tangible' to mean 'large' or 'significant' without the implication of concrete evidence or physicality (e.g., 'a tangible salary' is odd; use 'substantial' or 'significant').
- Confusing 'tangible' (perceptible by touch/concrete) with 'intelligible' (able to be understood).
Practice
Quiz
In a financial report, 'tangible assets' most likely refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, metaphorically. You can describe a feeling or atmosphere as 'tangible' if it is very strong and perceptible (e.g., 'The tension in the air was tangible.').
They are often synonyms. However, 'concrete' more strongly emphasises being specific, definite, and real (opposite of 'abstract'), while 'tangible' more strongly implies being perceptible, especially by touch, or capable of being clearly grasped.
It is neutral but is more common in formal, academic, business, and technical contexts than in very casual conversation. In everyday talk, people might use 'real,' 'actual,' or 'clear' instead.
The direct antonym is 'intangible,' meaning not able to be touched, impalpable, or abstract (e.g., intangible assets like goodwill or copyright).