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Impassable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impassable

[ɪmˈpæsəbl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a physical sense

Impossible to pass, cross, or travel through.

Synonyms

impenetrable, inaccessible, unpassable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impassable

Used when referring to roads, paths, or routes that cannot be traversed, typically due to physical barriers or severe conditions. This word often implies a temporary obstacle that's natural or weather-related.

  • The heavy snowfall made the mountain pass impassable.
  • Floodwaters had rendered the main road impassable for days.
impenetrable

Describes something that cannot be passed through or entered because it is too dense or solid. Often used for things that are difficult to understand or gain access to, not just physically impassable areas.

  • The thick forest was nearly impenetrable.
  • Her motives remained impenetrable to everyone in the room.
inaccessible

Refers to locations, things, or information that are difficult or impossible to reach due to physical, technical, or social barriers. It often suggests there might be no clear path or way to get to the destination.

  • The remote village is inaccessible during the winter.
  • Certain websites remained inaccessible without proper authorization.
unpassable

Much like 'impassable,' this word is used for describing paths or routes that cannot be crossed. It is less common and can be considered somewhat archaic.

  • After the storm, the hiking trail was unpassable due to fallen trees.

Examples of usage

  • The road was blocked by an impassable snowdrift.
  • The terrain was so rugged that it was impassable on foot.
  • The river had become impassable due to the flooding.
  • The mountain pass was deemed impassable during the winter.
  • The dense forest was nearly impassable without a machete.
Context #2 | Adjective

in a metaphorical sense

Unable to be overcome or surmounted.

Synonyms

insurmountable, unbeatable, unconquerable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impassable

Use when describing a physical barrier or obstacle that cannot be crossed or traveled through.

  • The heavy snowfall made the mountain roads impassable
  • The fallen trees rendered the path through the forest impassable

Examples of usage

  • The language barrier seemed impassable at first, but they eventually found a way to communicate.
  • The cultural divide between the two groups appeared impassable, but efforts were made to bridge the gap.
  • The emotional distance between them felt impassable, but they worked on rebuilding their connection.
  • The ideological differences seemed impassable, yet they managed to find common ground.
  • The financial obstacles appeared impassable, but they persevered and succeeded.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • Impassable terrain is often found in extreme environments, like dense jungles, icy mountains, or regions affected by natural disasters.
  • Many hiking trails may be labeled as impassable during certain seasons due to snow or flooding, impacting safety for travelers.
  • In urban contexts, roads can become impassable due to heavy traffic, construction, or accidents, forcing drivers to find alternative routes.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often face impassable obstacles as a metaphor for personal challenges or moral dilemmas.
  • Notable works may depict impassable landscapes that serve as barriers for protagonists, symbolizing internal struggles.
  • Impassable spaces can represent the limitations of human experience and the journey towards understanding or enlightenment.

Psychology

  • Impassable situations in life can lead to feelings of being trapped or helpless, often explored in psychological studies of stress and coping.
  • People may perceive certain challenges as impassable, which can impact their motivation and mental health over time.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy often addresses these thoughts, helping individuals create manageable paths through perceived obstacles.

Origin of 'impassable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'im-' meaning 'not' and the root 'pass,' which refers to crossing or going through something.
  • It has been in use since the late 15th century, originally used to describe roads that were not safe or easy to travel.
  • Related words like 'pass' and 'passage' have roots in Latin, where 'passare' means 'to step' or 'to move.'

The word 'impassable' dates back to the mid-17th century, derived from the prefix 'im-' meaning 'not' and the word 'passable'. It originally referred to physical obstacles that were impossible to pass or cross. Over time, its usage expanded to include metaphorical barriers and challenges that seemed insurmountable. The evolution of the word reflects the human experience of facing obstacles and finding ways to overcome them.

See also: bypass, impasse, overpass, passable, passably, passage, passcode, passé, passenger, passer, passing, passingly, passion, passionately, passive, passkey, underpass, unpassability, unpassable.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,009, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.