English vocabulary · C1
Impervious
/ɪmˈpɜːr.vi.əs/ · adj.
It means nothing can pass through — no water, no pain, no change. You are not affected at all.
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Example sentences
- He was impervious to the cold wind.
- She stayed impervious to his words.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- im — not (from Latin)
- per — through (from Latin)
- via — road (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- RESISTANT — not easily changed (Actively pushes back)
- SEALED — completely closed (Physically closed off)
- TOUGH — not easily hurt (Strong under pressure)
Words with the same root
via — road
- previous — coming before on the path
- obvious — right in front of you
- devious — going off the path
Lesson notes
Impervious. It means nothing can pass through — no water, no pain, no change. You are not affected at all.
Similar words are resistant, sealed, and tough. Use impervious when nothing can get through.
He was impervious to the cold wind. She stayed impervious to his words.
From Latin. Im- means not. Per- means through. Via- means road. No road through — that is impervious.