Definition

Not able to be affected or harmed by something; not allowing anything to pass through.

Example

The raincoat is made of a material that is impervious to water.

Conversation

I heard that the new phone is impervious to water damage.

Really? That sounds amazing for people like us who drop things all the time.

Yeah, it’s nice to know that it can survive a splash or two.

For sure! I need something impervious to my clumsiness.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Impervious → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "pervius" (from Latin, meaning passable or able to be passed through). The word "impervious" means not able to be passed through or not allowing passage.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') allowing something to 'pass through' ('pervius') — that's why impervious means something that cannot be penetrated.

Visually Confused Words