the tangible world?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

Here is an example for the word “tangible” I’ve found in the OALD:

b the tangible world[/b]

=> Does “the tangible world” here mean the world in which we are living, and what is the antonym of it?

Many thanks
Nessie

2

Hi Nessie

You should probably start with simply looking for an antonym of ‘tangible’. What was the definition of the word ‘tangible’ that the OALD gave along with that example?
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3

Hi Nessie,

The antonym of the term “tangible world” is probably “virtual world” or simply “the Internet”.[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC listening, photographs: Weightlifting[YSaerTTEW443543]

4

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I wonder whether Nessie can come up with some additional ideas herself. :wink:
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5

Hi Amy and Torsten,
Thank you very much for your help :slight_smile:

After some time of being a member of this site, I think I’ve learnt what “Auntie Amy” wants from her students: state your idea first, and then have the teachers correct them. Don’t just ask questions :wink: :wink: (I love you for that :P)

And,back to our matter here: actually when coming across the word “tangible world”, I did figure out something. I thought of a term describing this world in which we are living (reality), a world with real, concrete things, contrary to some other “worlds”, like hell or paradise, or the world of imagination, etc.

That’s why I want to see about your idea. :slight_smile:
Many thanks once again :slight_smile:
Nessie

6

Sorry but does anybody have some more ideas? :slight_smile:

7

Well, I can see the phrase “tangible world” being used if someone’s constantly talking about their imagination, or their dreams. Someone might say “come back to the tangible world” meaning come back to the real world. I think the intangible is anything fictitious that we might dream up, ethereal. Religion - even - might be intangible to some (but you should avoid saying that among many people, it might insult them if you’re not careful)

8

You’re right that I was hoping you would post what you thought first, Nessie. It was also my opinion that you would be able to come up with a good answer on your own. That’s why I only gave you a little “nudge”.

That sounds perfectly good to me, Nessie. I also think Torsten and Rajin had some good ideas for you.
.

9

=> Thanks for your comment, dear Amy :slight_smile:
From now on I’ll do as you said