Adjective
/dɛsapeɾsiˈβiðo/
The word "desapercibido" refers to something or someone that goes unnoticed or is overlooked. It is often used to describe a person or action that fails to attract attention, either intentionally or unintentionally. The frequency of use is moderate, and it can be found in both oral and written contexts, although it may appear more in formal writing or literature.
The thief went unnoticed among the crowd.
Su comentario fue desapercibido en la reunión.
His comment was overlooked in the meeting.
A veces, el talento pasa desapercibido por falta de promoción.
While "desapercibido" itself is not commonly used in many idiomatic expressions, it can be part of phrases and expressions that convey similar meanings of being unnoticed or ignored. Below are some examples where the concept of being unnoticed or overlooked might be applicable.
Many people go unnoticed at social events, which doesn’t mean they have nothing to contribute.
Dejar pasar desapercibido
I decided to let my colleague's inappropriate comment go unnoticed.
No hacer caso y pasar desapercibido
The term "desapercibido" derives from the prefix "des-" which indicates negation or reversal, and the word "apercibido," which comes from the Latin "apercipere," meaning to perceive or notice. Therefore, "desapercibido" literally means "not having been perceived."