Incomprehensibility Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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incomprehensibility

[ˌɪnkɒmprɪˌhɛnsəˈbɪlɪti ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

difficulty understanding

The state or quality of being incomprehensible; inability to be understood or grasped fully.

Synonyms

obscurity, opacity, unintelligibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
incomprehensibility	Used when something is extremely difficult to understand due to its complexity or abstract nature. The incomprehensibility of quantum mechanics can be daunting for new students. Many readers struggle with the incomprehensibility of his philosophy.
unintelligibility	Refers specifically to the quality of being impossible to understand, often because it is not clear or articulated well. Usually has a negative connotation. The unintelligibility of the message left everyone confused. The doctor's handwriting was characterized by its unintelligibility.
obscurity	Refers to the state of being unknown or difficult to understand, often because it is hidden or not well known. Can also describe something that is not clearly expressed. The poet's early work lingered in obscurity until it was discovered years later. Her speech was full of obscurities that confused the audience.
opacity	Used to describe the quality of being hard to see through or understand, often in a more literal sense such as a material's lack of transparency. The opacity of the frosted glass ensures privacy. His writing has a certain opacity that makes it challenging to decipher.

Examples of usage

It was hard to follow the professor's lecture due to the incomprehensibility of the subject matter.
The incomprehensibility of the legal jargon made it challenging for the average person to understand the contract.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

Writers often play with incomprehensibility to create a sense of mystery or depth, prompting readers to think critically.
Some literary works are deliberately complex, challenging readers to decipher the meaning layered within the text.
Stream of consciousness writing, seen in authors like James Joyce, exemplifies how language can become incomprehensible yet convey deep emotions.

Philosophy

Philosophers such as Immanuel Kant explored incomprehensibility in relation to the limits of human understanding.
The concept is central to discussions about the existence of phenomena beyond human perception, like certain aspects of the universe.
Incomprehensibility can provoke skepticism about the nature of reality and our ability to know it fully.

Psychology

Cognitive overload can lead to feelings of incomprehensibility when too much information overwhelms a person.
Incomprehensibility can also relate to how abstract concepts are processed differently by individuals, depending on their previous knowledge.
People often use various strategies to cope with incomprehensibility, such as breaking down complex information into manageable parts.

Pop Culture

Contemporary films and shows sometimes intentionally feature plotlines that are hard to understand, sparking debate and discussion among viewers.
In video games, challenges may be designed to be incomprehensible at first, enticing players to unravel the mystery.
Social media often features memes that highlight moments of incomprehensibility in everyday life, connecting with shared experiences.

Origin of 'incomprehensibility'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from Latin, where 'comprehendere' means to grasp or understand.
It was first used in English in the mid-19th century, reflecting a growing awareness of complex ideas in philosophy and science.
The prefix 'in-' indicates a negation, so it literally means 'not understandable.'

The word 'incomprehensibility' is derived from the word 'incomprehensible,' which originated in the late 14th century. The prefix 'in-' means 'not,' and 'comprehensible' comes from the Latin word 'comprehendere,' meaning 'to seize, to grasp.' Therefore, 'incomprehensibility' refers to the state of not being able to be fully understood or grasped.