Indescribable: meaning, definitions and examples

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indescribable

 

[ ɪnˈdɪs.krɪ.ba.bl̩ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

emotional experience

Indescribable refers to something that is so extraordinary or intense that it cannot be adequately expressed in words. This term is often used to describe feelings, experiences, or beauty that overwhelm the senses and defy verbal explanation. The power of such experiences leaves individuals at a loss for words, rendering them incapable of articulating their awe or fascination.

Synonyms

ineffable, inexpressible, unspeakable

Examples of usage

  • The beauty of the sunset was indescribable.
  • He felt an indescribable joy when he saw his daughter graduate.
  • The pain she felt was indescribable after the loss.

Translations

Translations of the word "indescribable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indescritível

🇮🇳 अवर्णनीय

🇩🇪 unbeschreiblich

🇮🇩 tak terlukiskan

🇺🇦 непередаваний

🇵🇱 niewypowiedziany

🇯🇵 言葉では表現できない

🇫🇷 indescriptible

🇪🇸 indescriptible

🇹🇷 tarifsiz

🇰🇷 형언할 수 없는

🇸🇦 لا يوصف

🇨🇿 nepopsatelný

🇸🇰 neopisateľný

🇨🇳 无法形容

🇸🇮 neopisljiv

🇮🇸 óútskýranlegur

🇰🇿 сипатталмайтын

🇬🇪 მოუწვდელი

🇦🇿 təsvir olunmaz

🇲🇽 indescriptible

Etymology

The word 'indescribable' originated from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and the word 'describable', which comes from the Latin root 'describere', meaning 'to write down' or 'to describe'. The transition into English occurred in the early 19th century, as the term began to be used more frequently in literature and poetry to convey the profundity of experiences beyond verbal expression. The suffix '-able' implies capability, thus 'indescribable' characterizes things that cannot be put into words. This term serves as a testament to the limitations of language in capturing the full essence of deeply moving emotions or experiences, highlighting the vast spectrum of human feeling that often eludes articulation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,576, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.