Inscrutable

Adjective

Definition: Incapable of being discovered or understood.

Definition: Impossible to see through mentally; not easily interpreted.

Synonyms: Enigmatic, Mysterious, Unfathomable

Antonyms: Understandable, Clear, Transparent

Examples:

His motives for leaving the company remained inscrutable.
The professor's lecture was so inscrutable that most of the students were completely lost.

Mnemonics:

Think of "in-scrutable" as something that cannot be "scrutinized" or understood.

Etymology:

Origin:

Inscrutable comes from the Latin word "inscrutabilis," which means "unsearchable" or "unfathomable."

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the early 15th century and has maintained its meaning of something difficult or impossible to understand.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Inscrutable are the ways of God."

Explanation:

This phrase highlights the idea that the motivations or actions of a divine being are beyond human understanding.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "inscrutable" with "inexplicable."

Explanation:

While both words convey the idea of something difficult to understand, "inscrutable" implies that it may be possible to unravel the mystery with enough effort or insight, while "inexplicable" suggests that there is no logical or reasonable explanation available.