el impermeable

Definition & meaning

The word impermeable has three primary applications in Spanish:

1. As an adjective (physical property): It describes a material or surface that does not allow liquids, especially water, to pass through it. For example, a plastic sheet or a treated fabric is considered impermeable.
2. As a noun (clothing): It refers to a raincoat or any outer garment made of waterproof material designed to protect the wearer from rain.
3. As an adjective (figurative): It describes a person who is unaffected or uninfluenced by something, such as criticism, emotions, or external ideas. If someone is "impermeable a las críticas," it means they do not let criticism affect them.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

• It functions as both an adjective and a masculine noun (el impermeable).
• As an adjective, it is invariable in gender, meaning it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns (una capa impermeable, un suelo impermeable). The plural form is impermeables.

Word Origin: The word comes from the Latin impermeabilis. It is formed by:

• The prefix in- (meaning "not").
• The prefix per- (meaning "through").
• The verb meare (meaning "to go," "to pass," or "to flow").
• The suffix -able (indicating capability or tendency).

Literally, it translates to something that is "not capable of being passed through."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• Regarding clothing: chubasquero↗, gabardina↗, piloto↗.
• Regarding physical properties: estanco↗, hermético↗, resistente↗.
• Regarding figurative use: insensible↗, impasible↗, cerrado↗.

Antonyms:

• Regarding physical properties: permeable↗, penetrable↗, absorbente↗.
• Regarding figurative use: sensible↗, vulnerable↗, influenciable↗.