Definition

Something that is difficult or impossible to see or notice; it cannot be easily recognized or distinguished from something else.

Example

The changes in the painting were so subtle that they were almost indiscernible to the naked eye.

Conversation

Did you notice the changes in the artwork?

Not really, they seemed indiscernible to me.

Yeah, I thought they were too subtle to catch at first.

Exactly! Sometimes, the best changes are the ones we can't easily see.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Indiscernible is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "discernere" (meaning to separate or distinguish). The word describes something that cannot be distinguished or recognized.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being able to 'distinguish' ('discernere') something — that's why indiscernible means something that cannot be recognized.

Visually Confused Words