Inexplicable
Adjective
Definition: Unable to be explained or accounted for.
Synonyms: Unexplainable, Inexplicable, Mysterious, Unfathomable
Antonyms: Explainable, Explicable, Understandable
- The disappearance of the plane remains inexplicable.
- His reaction to the news was inexplicable; no one could understand why he was laughing.
- Think of "in-" as a negation prefix, so inexplicable means "not explainable."
Etymology:
The word "inexplicable" originated from the Latin word "inexplicabilis," which means "that cannot be unfolded, or disentangled." It is derived from the prefix "in-" meaning "not" and the verb "explicare" meaning "to unfold" or "to explain."
Historical Usage:"Inexplicable" has been used in English since the mid-15th century and its meaning has remained consistent throughout history.
Related Idioms:
"Inexplicable as a magic trick"
Explanation:Used to describe something that is completely baffling or impossible to understand, similar to a magic trick that defies explanation.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "inexplicable" with "unexplainable."
Explanation:"Inexplicable" and "unexplainable" are synonyms, both indicating the inability to be explained. However, "inexplicable" tends to have a stronger connotation of utter bewilderment or impossibility to comprehend.