Definition of the word insensibly

The word "insensibly" has a rich history! It originated in the 15th century from the Old French phrase "insensiblement," which means "without sensation" or "unnoticeably." The suffix "-ly" was later added to form the English adjective "insensibly," meaning "in a manner that cannot be perceived or sensed; imperceptibly." In the early modern era, "insensibly" was often used to describe something that happened slowly and subtly, often without anyone noticing. For example, "the colors insensibly blend together" or "she insensibly softened her tone." Today, "insensibly" is still used to convey a sense of gradual and often effortless change, whether it's a subtle shift in mood, a quiet transformation in a relationship, or a gradual progression towards a goal.