Indefinable: meaning, definitions and examples

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indefinable

 

[ ˌɪndɪˈfaɪnəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

describing ambiguity

Indefinable refers to something that cannot be precisely defined or described. This term is often used for concepts or feelings that are vague, abstract, or elusive. For example, emotions like love or freedom can be seen as indefinable since they may vary greatly from person to person. It suggests a lack of clear boundaries or limits in understanding or expression.

Synonyms

ambiguous, indeterminate, unexplainable, vague.

Examples of usage

  • The beauty of the sunset was almost indefinable.
  • Her happiness seemed indefinable at that moment.
  • The artist's style was reckoned as indefinable.
  • He felt an indefinable sense of peace.

Translations

Translations of the word "indefinable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indefinível

🇮🇳 अपरिभाषित

🇩🇪 undefinierbar

🇮🇩 tak terdefinisi

🇺🇦 недефінований

🇵🇱 niedefiniowalny

🇯🇵 定義できない

🇫🇷 indéfinissable

🇪🇸 indefinible

🇹🇷 tanımsız

🇰🇷 정의할 수 없는

🇸🇦 غير محدد

🇨🇿 nedefinovatelný

🇸🇰 nedefinovateľný

🇨🇳 无法定义

🇸🇮 nedoločljiv

🇮🇸 ódefinéranlegt

🇰🇿 анықталмайтын

🇬🇪 არასახელოვანი

🇦🇿 təyin olunmaz

🇲🇽 indefinible

Etymology

The word 'indefinable' emerged in the English language in the late 19th century. It combines the prefix 'in-', meaning 'not', with 'definable', which derives from the Latin 'definire', meaning 'to limit, establish, or end'. The evolution of this term reflects the complexity of human emotions and concepts that resist easy categorization. Over time, 'indefinable' has been used across various disciplines, including philosophy, literature, and psychology, where it captures the essence of ideas that elude strict definitions. This trend highlights the nature of language itself, which often struggles to encapsulate the full scope of human experience.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,433, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.