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.