Ineffable

Adjective

Definition: Too great, powerful, or beautiful to be described or expressed in words; unspeakable.

Synonyms: Indescribable, Inexpressible, Unimaginable

Antonyms: Expressible, Describable, Definable

Examples:
  • The beauty of the sunset was ineffable.
  • The feeling of love overwhelmed her, making her speechless and unable to express the ineffable emotion.
Mnemonics:
  • "Ineffable" sounds similar to "inefficient," which can help remember that it refers to something too great to be described efficiently.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English from Old French, from Latin ineffabilis, from in- ‘not’ + effabilis (from effari ‘utter’).

Historical Usage:

The word "ineffable" has been in use since the late Middle English period and its origins can be traced back to Latin.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

None known for this word.

Explanation:

The meaning of "ineffable" as "too great to be described in words" is widely accepted and understood.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

None known for this word.

Explanation:

The meaning of "ineffable" as "too great to be described in words" is widely accepted and understood.

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