palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable. the tension in the air was almost palpable tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally.

In medical or scientific contexts, palpable can describe something that can be felt physically by touch, such as a palpable lump in one's body. In contrast, tangible in these contexts would refer to something material or concrete, like the tangible results of a research study, which can be observed and documented.

When something is palpable it can be felt, most likely figuratively, and emotionally. "The tension in the room was palpable" probably means that it would make you feel anxious. When something is tangible, it can be felt because it has mass and takes up space, or because it is significant and measurable, like an object.