Impenetrability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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impenetrability
[หษชmpษnษชหtrรฆtษหbษชlษชti ]
Definitions
in physics
The quality or state of being impossible to pass through or enter.
Synonyms
impassability, inaccessibility.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| impenetrability |
Used to describe something that cannot be penetrated, often referring to physical barriers, dense materials, or complex ideas that are hard to understand.
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| impassability |
Describes a pathway or route that cannot be crossed or traveled through, often due to natural obstacles or severe conditions.
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Examples of usage
- The walls of the fortress were built with such impenetrability that no enemy could breach them.
- The scientist studied the material's impenetrability to various types of radiation.
in literature
The quality of being difficult to understand or interpret.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| impenetrability |
Best used to describe something that is impossible to enter, understand, or get through. This term can apply to physical objects, complex ideas, or abstract concepts.
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| obscurity |
This word is appropriate when discussing something that is hard to see, find, or understand, often because it is unknown or hidden. It can also refer to a state of not being well-known or famous.
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| abstruseness |
Used when referring to ideas, texts, or subjects that are difficult to understand and require specialized knowledge or deep thought. It often suggests intellectual complexity.
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Examples of usage
- The poet's writing was praised for its impenetrability, leaving readers to ponder its deeper meaning.
- The novel's impenetrability led to mixed reviews, with some finding it too complex to follow.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, impenetrability can refer to the concept that two bodies cannot occupy the same space at the same time.
- Certain materials, like lead, are considered impenetrable to certain forms of radiation, making them crucial in radiation shielding.
Literature
- In literature, authors often describe characters or themes with impenetrable emotions, showcasing complex psychological states.
- Classic novels often explore the impenetrability of social class differences, where one class cannot truly understand the other.
Philosophy
- The term appears in discussions about knowledge, where some ideas or concepts are seen as impenetrable to understanding.
- Impenetrability sometimes relates to the limits of human consciousness and how certain truths remain elusive.
Cultural References
- In art, particularly abstract art, impenetrability might refer to works that provoke thought but resist easy interpretation.
- The term has been used in pop culture to describe complicated plots in movies or books that leave audiences puzzled.
Origin of 'impenetrability'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'impenetrabilis', with 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'penetrabilis' meaning 'able to be passed through'.
- It has been used in English since the 17th century, primarily in philosophical and scientific contexts.
The word 'impenetrability' originated from the Latin word 'impenetrabilis', which is a combination of 'in-' (not) and 'penetrabilis' (that can be penetrated). It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The concept of impenetrability has been explored in various fields such as physics, literature, and philosophy. In physics, it refers to the inability of objects to pass through one another, while in literature, it signifies the complexity or opacity of a text. The term has evolved to symbolize a barrier or enigma that cannot be easily understood or overcome.