Definition
Tangible comes from the Latin tangere, 'to touch', and keeps the hand in every use: tangible assets can be inventoried, tangible progress can be pointed at, tangible benefits show up where everyone can see them. The word draws the line between what exists in talk and what exists in the world — plans are intangible until results make them tangible. Even used abstractly ('a tangible sense of relief'), it means: so real you could almost hold it.
Examples
- The negotiations finally produced tangible results: three signed agreements.
- Investors prefer tangible assets like property to promises of future growth.
- There was a tangible tension in the room before the results were announced.
Synonyms
concrete · palpable · real · physical · measurable
In TOEFL & IELTS
An IELTS Writing Task 2 workhorse: 'tangible benefits/results/progress' turns vague claims into examiner-pleasing precision. TOEFL passages contrast tangible and intangible cultural heritage — UNESCO's actual terminology. The antonym 'intangible' is tested just as often; learn the pair and the legal phrase 'tangible property'.