Impassability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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impassability
[ษชmหpรฆsษหbษชlษชti ]
Definition
inaccessibility
The quality of being impassable, unable to be crossed or traveled through.
Synonyms
impracticability, inaccessibility, unpassability.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| impassability |
Used to describe a state where movement or travel is completely impossible, usually due to physical barriers or conditions.
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| inaccessibility |
Highlights a situation where something is difficult or impossible to reach or obtain, often used in context of places, services, or information.
|
| impracticability |
Refers to the state where something is not feasible or realistic to execute or use, often used in the context of plans, ideas, or methods.
|
| unpassability |
Generally used to describe roads or pathways that cannot be traveled due to obstructions or poor conditions, similar to 'impassability' but can be slightly less absolute.
|
Examples of usage
- The impassability of the mountain range made it impossible for the hikers to continue their journey.
- Due to the heavy snowfall, the road was closed off, demonstrating its impassability.
- The river's rapid currents and deep waters contributed to its impassability for small boats.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Geography
- Certain mountain ranges are deemed impassable due to severe weather and dangerous terrain, influencing human settlement patterns.
- Impassable landscapes are often areas that attract adventure seekers or those studying extreme environments.
- Barrier islands and marshlands are examples of geographic features that can be classified as impassable in certain conditions.
Literature
- Writers use the concept to describe insurmountable challenges faced by characters, symbolizing internal or external strife.
- Impassability can serve as a metaphor for emotional barriers in novels, creating depth in character development.
- Classic stories often depict journeys where protagonists encounter impassable areas, representing life's obstacles.
Philosophy
- Philosophers discuss impassability in terms of human limitations, pondering the barriers to understanding and enlightenment.
- This concept can prompt discussions about existential barriers individuals face in life and personal growth.
- The term often appears in debates about the ability to overcome challenges in life, questioning what truly limits us.
Transportation
- Impassable roads can significantly disrupt travel plans, especially in emergencies or natural disasters.
- Traffic authorities often classify routes as impassable due to conditions such as snow, flooding, or landslides.
- In urban planning, knowing which areas can become impassable informs infrastructure development and disaster preparedness.
Origin of 'impassability'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from Latin 'impassibilis', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'passibilis' means 'able to be passed'.
- It reflects the combination of 'pass' (to go through) with a prefix that negates the possibility of traversing.
- This word is often used to describe physical barriers, but can also relate to emotional or psychological states.
The word 'impassability' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'im-' meaning 'not' and the word 'passability,' which originates from the Latin word 'passabilis' meaning 'that can be traversed.' The concept of impassability has been a significant factor in geographical and navigational challenges throughout history, with explorers and travelers facing obstacles such as mountains, rivers, and deserts that exhibit impassable characteristics.