Sunday, December 11, 2011

Impervious

This word provides an example of both literal and figurative meanings that abound in English.  Meanings that cause some confusion.

Literally the word means 'cannot be penetrated'.  It relates to the quality of the object that will not be changed by its environment.  As an example, a blown-up balloon that is tightly secured, will be impervious to water.

Figuratively, we can use the word applied to a person.

In this context, the word 'impervious' relates to a person who cannot (and, in some circumstances, will not) be changed.  In this instance, the word means that the person cannot be influenced or is not receptive to other's thoughts, actions, ideas etc. 

Is there a word that you'd like explained?  If so, let me know and I will post my response on this blog.





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