Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Palpable
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question checks your understanding of precise adjectives used to describe the nature of objects or experiences. The phrase a thing that can be physically felt or touched points towards the idea of something tangible, clear, or noticeable. In English, certain adjectives are used to describe sensations or qualities that are so strong they seem almost physical. Knowing these words helps in reading literature, essays, and newspaper articles with greater accuracy.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The definition given is a thing that can be felt or touched.
- The options are Palpable, Pandemic, Paltry, Panchromatic, and Abstract.
- We are looking for a word that connects with physical sensation or clear, noticeable presence.
Concept / Approach:
The adjective palpable literally means able to be touched or felt. It is also used more broadly to describe feelings or atmospheres that are so strong that they seem almost physical, for example palpable tension. This matches the given description closely. The other options refer to completely different ideas and do not capture the sense of tangibility or touch. Therefore, by matching the definition to the precise dictionary meaning, we conclude that the correct answer is palpable.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify key words in the description: can be felt, can be touched, physically noticeable.
Step 2: Recall vocabulary that describes something tangible or almost physically noticeable; the word palpable fits this idea.
Step 3: Compare palpable with each option and see which meaning aligns with the definition.
Step 4: Confirm that none of the other options relate to touch or physical sensation, which makes palpable the only correct choice.
Verification / Alternative check:
In standard dictionaries, palpable is defined as easily perceptible or capable of being touched or felt. Common example sentences include palpable fear or palpable relief, where the feeling is so intense that it seems almost solid. This meaning matches the description given in the question. By contrast, the other words relate to disease spread, smallness, colour range, or non physical ideas, and therefore can be eliminated confidently.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Pandemic: refers to a disease that is prevalent over a whole country or the world; it does not describe something that can be physically touched.
- Paltry: means very small or insignificant in amount; it is about quantity, not physical touch or sensation.
- Panchromatic: relates to sensitivity to all colours, usually used in photography or film; it has nothing to do with touch.
- Abstract: describes ideas that are not concrete or physical; this is actually the opposite of something that can be touched.
Common Pitfalls:
Because several options start with the same prefix, candidates sometimes choose on the basis of sound rather than meaning. It is important to slow down, focus on the root meaning, and eliminate words that clearly belong to other domains like medicine or photography. Vocabulary questions in exams often test whether you know subtle differences, so building a habit of checking meaning, usage, and example sentences during preparation is very helpful.
Final Answer:
The correct answer is Palpable.
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