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Indistinguishable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ฏ
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indistinguishable

[หŒษชn.dษชหˆstษชล‹.ษกwษชสƒ.ษ™.bษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a crowd

Not able to be identified as different or distinct.

Synonyms

identical, undifferentiable, unmistakable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indistinguishable

Use this word when two or more things appear so similar that it is difficult to tell them apart. It is often used in scientific or detailed observational contexts.

  • The twins were so alike that they were virtually indistinguishable.
  • Under the microscope, the two samples were indistinguishable.
identical

This word is for situations where two or more things are exactly the same in every detail. It is often used in contexts where precision is important, like in biology or manufacturing.

  • The two documents are identical in every way.
  • They bought identical dresses for the party.
undifferentiable

Use this term mainly in technical or scientific contexts, like mathematics or science, where it means there is no distinctive feature to set apart two things.

  • In this equation, the functions are undifferentiable at the given point.
  • The chemical compounds are undifferentiable at a molecular level.
unmistakable

This word is used when something is so clear or distinct that it cannot be mistaken for anything else. It has a strong implication of certainty and clarity.

  • The leader's voice was unmistakable.
  • There was an unmistakable smell of gas in the room.

Examples of usage

  • The twins were so similar, they were practically indistinguishable from each other.
  • The suspect was wearing a mask, making him indistinguishable from the other people in the room.
Context #2 | Adjective

in appearance

Impossible to tell apart.

Synonyms

indiscernible, unnoticeable, unrecognizable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indistinguishable

This word is often used when two or more things are so similar that it's impossible to tell them apart.

  • The twins are indistinguishable when they wear the same clothes.
  • The copied document was indistinguishable from the original.
indiscernible

Use this word when something is not clear or obvious and can't be seen or understood easily, often because it is too complex or subtle.

  • The difference between the original painting and the replica was indiscernible to the untrained eye.
  • His motives were indiscernible to his colleagues.
unrecognizable

This word is used when something or someone has changed so much that they cannot be identified.

  • The city was unrecognizable after the renovation.
  • He was unrecognizable after growing a beard and losing weight.
unnoticeable

This word is suitable for describing something that is so small or subtle that it can easily be missed and not observed at all.

  • The mistake in the report was almost unnoticeable.
  • Her entrance was so quiet, it was unnoticeable to everyone in the room.

Examples of usage

  • The counterfeit money was almost indistinguishable from the real thing.
  • The two paintings were so well done that they were indistinguishable from each other.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, two particles can be indistinguishable; they behave in the same way and cannot be distinguished from each other.
  • In genetics, identical twins are often cited as an example of indistinguishable individuals at birth before personality or characteristics emerge.
  • When studying color theory, colors can appear indistinguishable under certain lighting, showcasing human perception limits.

Art

  • Many modern art pieces can be indistinguishable based on the artist's style or technique, prompting debates on originality.
  • In visual arts, similar motifs or patterns can make different works indistinguishable unless context is provided.
  • Art restoration sometimes makes a piece indistinguishable from its original state, raising ethical questions about authenticity.

Psychology

  • Studies in perception show that humans can often find it hard to distinguish between similar faces, known as the 'face blind' phenomenon.
  • Cognitive biases can result in individuals perceiving indistinguishable choices differently, leading to decision-making challenges.
  • In social psychology, people may unconsciously treat indistinguishable groups as homogeneous, impacting their interactions.

Literature

  • In many literary works, characters become indistinguishable traits or represent archetypes to highlight themes of identity.
  • Some novels explore indistinguishable realities or timelines to delve into philosophical questions about existence.
  • Literature often uses indistinguishable settings or characters to create a sense of unease, challenging the reader's perception of normality.

Origin of 'indistinguishable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin roots: 'in' means not, and 'distinguere' means to separate or tell apart.
  • It was first recorded in English in the late 17th century, used mainly in philosophical discussions.
  • The prefix 'in-' often negates the word it precedes, while 'distinguishable' stands alone to mean 'able to tell apart.'

The word 'indistinguishable' originated from the Latin word 'indistinguibilis' which means 'not able to be distinguished'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The prefix 'in-' signifies 'not' or 'opposite of', while 'distinguishable' is derived from the verb 'distinguish' meaning 'recognize or treat as different'. Over the years, 'indistinguishable' has been used to describe things that are so similar that they cannot be told apart.

See also: distinguish, distinguishable, distinguished, distinguishing, undistinguished.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,540, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.