What does intangibly mean?
Intangibly is an adverb meaning in an intangible manner, or in a way that cannot be directly perceived or precisely measured. It is related to the adjective intangible but shifts attention from the quality of something to the manner in which an effect or change occurs. The adverb is especially useful when describing influences that are real but resist ordinary measurement, such as changes in morale, trust, atmosphere, or organizational culture. Its use can sound formal or slightly unusual, so writers often choose imperceptibly, invisibly, or unmeasurably when one of those terms conveys the intended meaning more clearly. Intangibly can also suggest that a result is beyond physical verification, not merely difficult to see. In this sense, it emphasizes the gap between what people can observe indirectly and what they can touch or measure directly.
adverbIn a way that is intangible; in a manner that cannot be perceived or precisely measured, especially through touch or other direct physical means.
- In an intangible or imperceptible manner; in a way that cannot be precisely measured or directly perceived.
"The team's morale improved intangibly, yet everyone could feel the difference."
"The atmosphere of the workplace changed intangibly after the new team was introduced."
"The policy has intangibly strengthened the organization's sense of shared purpose."
Intangibly is where “intangible” leaves the realm of things you can see or touch—and goes one step further.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intangibly come from?
Intangibly belongs to the English word family based on the Latin adjective intangibilis, formed from in-, meaning “not,” and tangere, meaning “to touch.” The related adjective entered English through French, with the adverbial ending -ly later added to form intangibly. Tangible, tangibility, and tangibly are modern cognates in the same family, all sharing the root idea of touch or physical perceptibility.
How intangibly is actually used
This adverb is less common than the adjective intangible and is often formal or literary. It is especially useful for describing effects that are real but difficult to measure, though imperceptibly or invisibly may be clearer when the intended sense is specifically subtle or unseen.
Easily confused with intangibly
Tangible is an adjective describing something perceptible or capable of being measured, whereas intangibly is an adverb describing an action or effect that occurs in that imperceptible or unmeasurable way.