Inexplicable

Adjective

Definition: Unable to be explained or accounted for.

Synonyms: Unexplainable, Inexplicable, Mysterious, Unfathomable

Antonyms: Explainable, Explicable, Understandable

Examples:
  • The disappearance of the plane remains inexplicable.
  • His reaction to the news was inexplicable; no one could understand why he was laughing.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of "in-" as a negation prefix, so inexplicable means "not explainable."

Etymology:

Origin:

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:

Idiom:

"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:

Misconception:

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.

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