Impervious
Adjective
Definition: Not allowing passage or entrance; impenetrable.
Definition: Not capable of being affected or influenced.
Synonyms: Impermeable, Resistant, Impregnable
Antonyms: Permeable, Vulnerable, Susceptible
- The walls of the fortress were impervious to the enemy's attacks.
- She seemed impervious to criticism, never letting it affect her confidence.
- Think of the word "impermeable" which has a similar meaning to impervious.
- Imagine a shield that is invincible and cannot be pierced.
Etymology:
The word "impervious" derives from the Latin word "impervius", which means "not to be passed through." It combines the prefix "in-" meaning "not" and the Latin adjective "pervius" meaning "passable" or "accessible."
Historical Usage:"Impervious" has been used in the English language since the 17th century, primarily in the context of physical objects being impenetrable. Over time, its usage expanded to include the metaphorical sense of being unaffected or unresponsive.
Related Idioms:
"Impervious to criticism"
Explanation:This phrase suggests that someone is not affected or influenced by negative feedback or disapproval.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "impervious" with "imperious."
Explanation:While the two words sound similar, they have different meanings. "Impervious" refers to something that cannot be passed through or influenced, whereas "imperious" describes an arrogant or domineering attitude.