Inconceivability: meaning, definitions and examples

🤯
Add to dictionary

inconceivability

 

[ ɪnkənˌsiːvəˈbɪlɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in philosophy

The quality of being inconceivable or unimaginable; the inability to be grasped by the mind. It is often used to describe ideas or concepts that are beyond human comprehension.

Synonyms

incomprehensibility, unconceivability, unimaginableness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
inconceivability

This word is often used to describe something that is impossible to imagine or understand due to its complexity or strangeness.

  • The inconceivability of traveling to another galaxy within our lifetime makes it a topic for science fiction rather than science fact
unimaginableness

This term is best used to describe something so extraordinary or extreme that it defies imagination.

  • The unimaginable richness of the king’s treasures was beyond anyone’s comprehension
unconceivability

This word, similar to 'inconceivability,' refers to something that cannot be imagined or grasped mentally; however, it can be considered slightly more formal or archaic.

  • The unconceivability of the concept left the entire audience in stunned silence
incomprehensibility

This term is suitable for situations where something is difficult or impossible to understand, often because of its complexity, ambiguity, or confusion.

  • The incomprehensibility of the legal document required the advice of a lawyer to fully understand its implications

Examples of usage

  • The inconceivability of infinity is a common topic in philosophy.
  • The inconceivability of the universe's origin raises questions about the limits of human understanding.
Context #2 | Noun

in a scientific context

The state of being impossible to conceive or understand based on current scientific knowledge. It is often used to describe phenomena that defy explanation or logic.

Synonyms

inexplicability, mystery, unfathomableness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
inconceivability

Used when something is beyond comprehension or impossible to imagine.

  • The inconceivability of the universe's size leaves many people in awe.
  • The inconceivability of her actions shocked everyone.
inexplicability

Used when something cannot be explained or understood.

  • The inexplicability of the phenomenon puzzled scientists for years.
  • Despite numerous attempts, the inexplicability of the event remained.
unfathomableness

Used when something is too deep or complex to be comprehended, often used in a more philosophical or literary context.

  • The unfathomableness of the human mind fascinates psychologists.
  • The unfathomableness of the ocean's depths is both terrifying and intriguing.
mystery

Used to describe something that is unknown or difficult to understand.

  • The sudden disappearance of the ship remains a mystery.
  • Life's greatest mystery is what happens after death.

Examples of usage

  • The inconceivability of time travel challenges our understanding of physics.
  • The inconceivability of parallel universes has sparked debate among scientists.

Translations

Translations of the word "inconceivability" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inconcebibilidade

🇮🇳 अकल्पनीयता

🇩🇪 Unvorstellbarkeit

🇮🇩 ketidakmungkinan

🇺🇦 немислимость

🇵🇱 niewyobrażalność

🇯🇵 考えられないこと

🇫🇷 inconcevabilité

🇪🇸 inconcebibilidad

🇹🇷 akıl almazlık

🇰🇷 상상할 수 없음

🇸🇦 استحالة التصور

🇨🇿 nepředstavitelnost

🇸🇰 nepredstaviteľnosť

🇨🇳 难以想象

🇸🇮 nepredstavljivost

🇮🇸 óhugsanleiki

🇰🇿 ойға сыймайтындық

🇬🇪 გაურკვევლობა

🇦🇿 ağlasığmazlıq

🇲🇽 inconcebibilidad

Etymology

The word 'inconceivability' originated from the combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and the word 'conceivability' meaning 'the ability to be conceived or understood'. The concept of inconceivability has been explored in various fields such as philosophy, science, and literature, highlighting the limitations of human understanding and the vastness of the unknown.

See also: conceiving, inconceivable, inconceivably, preconceive, unconceivability.