What does impervious mean?
Impervious means unaffected by, resistant to, or unable to be penetrated by something. The expression 'impervious to criticism' describes someone who does not become discouraged or emotionally affected by criticism. It can also describe a person who is unmoved by fear, temptation, pain, or outside influence, often suggesting admirable calmness but sometimes a lack of concern. In its physical sense, impervious is used of materials, surfaces, or structures that prevent a substance or force from passing through, such as a coating that is impervious to water. The word is common in both formal and informal English and is especially associated with the collocation 'impervious to.' Its historical development reflects a simple contrast: a barrier that cannot be crossed or penetrated is impervious, while something that can be crossed or passed through is pervious. The figurative use extends this idea from physical resistance to emotional and psychological resistance.
adjectiveUnaffected by or resistant to something, especially criticism, temptation, or emotional pressure. Also, not allowing a substance, influence, or force to pass through.
- Not affected or influenced by something.
- Not allowing a substance, force, or influence to pass through.
"The experienced negotiator remained impervious to the chairman's repeated attempts to provoke a reaction."
"The team was impervious to the disappointment of losing the final."
"The thick coating made the fabric impervious to wind and rain."
Impervious originally described a wall or road that could not be crossed; its figurative use grew from the idea of being impossible to influence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impervious come from?
Impervious comes from Latin impervius, meaning 'not passable' or 'not to be passed through.' It was formed with the Latin prefix in- meaning 'not' and pervius, from perviare, 'to pass through.' The word entered English in the late 16th century, initially in the sense of a road or passage that could not be crossed, and later developed the figurative sense of being unaffected or unmoved.
Related word forms
How impervious is actually used
Commonly used in the pattern 'impervious to' something. In figurative uses, it can suggest deliberate emotional reserve or a striking lack of concern; the physical sense is usually used of materials, surfaces, or structures.
Easily confused with impervious
A pervious material allows a substance or influence to pass through, whereas an impervious material prevents it.
Impermeable describes a material that cannot allow a liquid or gas through, while impervious can describe both physical resistance and figurative lack of susceptibility.