How Do You Spell IMPERVIOUS?

Pronunciation: [ɪmpˈɜːvɪəs] (IPA)

The word "impervious" is pronounced /ɪmˈpɜːvɪəs/ according to the IPA phonetic transcription. The word contains four syllables and has stress on the second syllable. The spelling of the word follows the common English language practice of combining Latin roots to form complex words. The prefix "im-" means "not," while the root "pervious" means "able to be penetrated." Thus, "impervious" means "not able to be penetrated," which is a useful word to describe something that is impenetrable or impermeable.

IMPERVIOUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Impervious is an adjective that describes something or someone that is resistant, unaffected, or incapable of being penetrated, entered, or affected by external factors, forces, or influences. The term can be used to describe both physical and metaphorical situations.

    In its physical sense, impervious refers to objects or materials that are impenetrable, such as a shield that does not allow any kind of liquid or substance to pass through it. For example, a raincoat can be described as impervious to water, meaning it is resistant to being soaked or letting raindrops seep through.

    In a metaphorical sense, impervious refers to being resistant or unaffected emotionally, mentally, or intellectually. It describes someone who is unresponsive, unreceptive, or indifferent to suggestions, opinions, or criticism. For instance, a person might be described as impervious to flattery, indicating that they are unswayed or unimpressed by compliments or praise.

    The term can also be used to describe situations or conditions that are immune or resistant to external influences. For instance, a well-built structure can be described as impervious to earthquake damage, indicating that it is not affected or damaged by seismic activity.

    Overall, impervious is an adjective that conveys the notion of invulnerability, resilience, or resistance to external factors, influences, or forces, whether physical or metaphorical in nature.

  2. Impenetrable, impassable.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. Not penetrable; not to be pierced; affording no way or passage.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for IMPERVIOUS

Etymology of IMPERVIOUS

The word impervious can be traced back to the Latin word impervius, which is a combination of the prefix im- (meaning not) and the word pervius (meaning passable or allowing passage). Pervius itself comes from the Latin word via (meaning way or road). Over time, impervius evolved into imperviouse in Old French and eventually into the modern English word impervious.

Similar spelling words for IMPERVIOUS

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