vis ‧ i ‧ ble W3 AC /ˈvɪzəb ə l, ˈvɪzɪb ə l/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ visibility ≠ ↑ invisibility ; adverb : ↑ visibly ≠ ↑ invisibly ; adjective : ↑ visible ≠ ↑ invisible ]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: visibilis , from visus ; ⇨ ↑ vision ]
1 . something that is visible can be seen OPP invisible
clearly/highly/barely etc visible
The outline of the mountains was clearly visible.
visible to
The sign was clearly visible to passing motorists.
The comet is visible to the naked eye (=can be seen without using special equipment) .
Check the plant for any visible signs of disease.
2 . an effect that is visible is great enough to be noticed SYN noticeable :
There has been a visible change in his attitude.
3 . someone who is visible is in a situation in which a lot of people notice them:
highly visible politicians
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adverbs
▪ clearly/plainly visible
The fracture was clearly visible on the X-ray.
▪ highly visible
Cyclists should wear highly visible colours.
▪ easily visible
By July 26, Mercury should be easily visible in the evening sky.
▪ barely/hardly visible
The parked car was barely visible in the darkness.
■ phrases
▪ visible to the naked eye (=able to be seen without using special equipment)
The comet is now visible to the naked eye.
▪ a visible sign
He considered the expensive car a visible sign of his achievement.