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Ineffable: meaning, definitions and examples

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ineffable

 

[ ɪˈnɛf.ə.bəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

expressing emotion

Ineffable describes something that is too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words. It often refers to experiences or feelings that transcend ordinary language.

Synonyms

indescribable, inexpressible, unspeakable

Examples of usage

  • The beauty of the sunset was ineffable.
  • She felt an ineffable joy at the news.
  • The painting evoked an ineffable sense of wonder.

Translations

Translations of the word "ineffable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inefável

🇮🇳 अव्यक्त

🇩🇪 unbeschreiblich

🇮🇩 tak terlukiskan

🇺🇦 невимовний

🇵🇱 niewypowiedziany

🇯🇵 言葉にできない

🇫🇷 ineffable

🇪🇸 inefable

🇹🇷 anlatılamaz

🇰🇷 형언할 수 없는

🇸🇦 لا يوصف

🇨🇿 nevyslovitelný

🇸🇰 nevysloviteľný

🇨🇳 难以形容

🇸🇮 neizrekljiv

🇮🇸 ósegjanlegt

🇰🇿 сөзбен айтып жеткізілмейтін

🇬🇪 არასასიცოცხლო

🇦🇿 ifadəedilməz

🇲🇽 inefable

Etymology

The word 'ineffable' originates from the Latin word 'ineffabilis', which means 'that cannot be expressed' or 'unspeakable'. This Latin term is a combination of the prefix 'in-', meaning 'not', and 'effabilis', derived from 'effari'—to speak out. The term was introduced into English in the late 14th century, with its meaning evolving over time to encompass a range of experiences or emotions that are too profound or overwhelming for verbal articulation. Its gradual incorporation into literary and religious contexts, particularly in expressing spiritual experiences or divine qualities, has further solidified its use in modern English.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,504, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.