Imponderable: meaning, definitions and examples
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imponderable
[ ɪmˈpɒndərəbl ]
uncertain factors
The term 'imponderable' describes something that cannot be precisely measured or assessed. It often refers to situations, aspects, or entities that exist beyond the realm of quantification. Imponderable factors may influence decisions or outcomes in ways that are difficult to predict or evaluate. This unreliability makes them particularly challenging in scientific and philosophical discussions, where precision is usually paramount.
Synonyms
incomprehensible, indeterminate, uncertain, unfathomable
Examples of usage
- The imponderable effects of climate change are a concern for scientists.
- He was faced with imponderable uncertainties regarding his investment.
- There are many imponderable challenges in the project.
- The imponderable nature of human emotions complicates relationships.
Translations
Translations of the word "imponderable" in other languages:
🇵🇹 imponderável
🇮🇳 अविस्मरणीय
🇩🇪 nicht messbar
🇮🇩 tak terukur
🇺🇦 незмірний
🇵🇱 nieuchwytny
🇯🇵 計り知れない
🇫🇷 impondérable
🇪🇸 imponderable
🇹🇷 ölçülemez
🇰🇷 측정할 수 없는
🇸🇦 غير قابل للقياس
🇨🇿 nepřiměřený
🇸🇰 nevyčíslený
🇨🇳 不可测的
🇸🇮 neizmerljiv
🇮🇸 ómælanlegur
🇰🇿 өлшенбейтін
🇬🇪 არამზომად
🇦🇿 ölçülməz
🇲🇽 imponderable
Etymology
The term 'imponderable' originates from the late 17th century, derived from the Latin word 'imponderabilis', which means 'not able to be weighed'. The prefix 'im-' denotes negation, while 'ponderabilis' comes from 'ponderare', meaning 'to weigh'. The concept was initially applied in philosophical and scientific contexts to discuss entities or phenomena that could not be evaluated in a traditional, measurable sense. Over time, its usage expanded into literary and common discourse, often relating to abstract ideas and complex situations that resist straightforward analysis. In contemporary usage, 'imponderable' frequently signifies the unpredictable elements of life and reality, reflecting human experiences that surpass empirical study.