Indelible: meaning, definitions and examples

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indelible

 

[ ɪnˈdɛlɪb(ə)l ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

memory

Not able to be forgotten or removed; permanent.

Synonyms

inescapable, lasting, permanent, unforgettable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indelible

Use this word when describing something that cannot be removed or forgotten, often applied to memories or marks.

  • She has indelible memories of her childhood
  • The graffiti left an indelible mark on the building
permanent

Best for referring to something that is intended to last forever or for a very long time, commonly used in legal terms, changes, or states.

  • She has a permanent job now
  • The scar is permanent
unforgettable

Ideal for describing something so memorable and impressive that it cannot be forgotten, often used for experiences or moments.

  • That was an unforgettable concert
  • Meeting the celebrity was an unforgettable experience
lasting

Appropriate for describing something that endures over a long time, often used for positive or negative impacts, relationships, or impressions.

  • Their friendship has left a lasting impression on me
  • The medicine has a lasting effect
inescapable

This word is suitable for situations where something cannot be avoided or escaped, often used to describe unavoidable consequences or truths.

  • The truth is inescapable
  • He felt an inescapable sense of duty

Examples of usage

  • The indelible memory of her first kiss.
  • The indelible impact of the tragedy on the community.
  • The indelible mark left by his presence.
Context #2 | Adjective

mark

Making marks that cannot be removed.

Synonyms

irremovable, lasting, permanent, unerasable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indelible

Used to describe a mark, impression, or memory that cannot be removed or forgotten, often emphasizing emotional or psychological impact.

  • The moment she heard the news made an indelible impression on her mind
permanent

Used when referring to something intended to last indefinitely without change, often highlighting a long-term or unchangeable condition.

  • The tattoo she got is a permanent reminder of her adventurous youth
lasting

Describes something that endures or persists over a long period of time. This word is often used for abstract concepts, like emotions or effects, without implying permanence.

  • Their friendship had a lasting impact on his life
irremovable

Refers to something that cannot be moved or removed, often used in a physical or literal sense.

  • The stain on the carpet was irremovable despite all cleaning attempts
unerasable

Describes something that cannot be erased or removed, usually in a literal sense but can also be used metaphorically.

  • The unerasable marker left stains all over the whiteboard

Examples of usage

  • The indelible ink on the document.
  • The indelible stain on the carpet.

Translations

Translations of the word "indelible" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indelével

🇮🇳 अमिट

🇩🇪 unauslöschlich

🇮🇩 tak terhapuskan

🇺🇦 нестертий

🇵🇱 niezatarte

🇯🇵 消えない (kienai)

🇫🇷 indélébile

🇪🇸 indeleble

🇹🇷 silinmez

🇰🇷 지울 수 없는 (jiul su eomneun)

🇸🇦 لا يمحى (la yamḥā)

🇨🇿 nevymazatelný

🇸🇰 nezmazateľný

🇨🇳 不可磨灭的 (bù kě má miè de)

🇸🇮 neizbrisen

🇮🇸 óafmáanlegur

🇰🇿 өшпес

🇬🇪 უდავებელი (udavebeli)

🇦🇿 silməz

🇲🇽 indeleble

Etymology

The word 'indelible' originated from the Latin word 'indelibilis', which is derived from the prefix 'in-' (not) and 'delebilis' (able to be destroyed). The term has been used in English since the 16th century to describe something that cannot be forgotten or removed, leaving a lasting impression or mark.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,544, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.