Definition of tangible

The word "tangible" is derived from the Latin word "tangere," which means "to touch." In the 16th century, the English language adopted this word from Middle French and used it to describe things that could be touched or felt, rather than intangible ideas or concepts. Initially, the word was spelled "tangiball" and used in the context of accounting and finance to describe assets that could be physically handled, such as gold, silver, or land. Over time, the spelling evolved to "tangible," and the meaning broadened to encompass any item or concept that had a material or physical presence, as opposed to being abstract or intangible. Today, "tangible" is a commonly used word in various fields, such as business, economics, and law, to convey the sense of something that can be perceived through the sense of touch or has concrete value.