Ineffably: meaning, definitions and examples

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ineffably

 

[ ɪˈnɛfəbli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

intensely emotional

The word 'ineffably' is used to describe something that is too great or extreme to be expressed in words. It signifies an experience, feeling, or quality that eludes satisfactory description due to its profound or overwhelming nature.

Synonyms

indescribable, ineffable, unspeakable, unutterable.

Examples of usage

  • The beauty of the sunset was ineffably stunning.
  • Her joy was ineffably deep after hearing the news.
  • The ineffably complex nature of the universe challenges our understanding.

Translations

Translations of the word "ineffably" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inefavelmente

🇮🇳 अवर्णनीय रूप से

🇩🇪 uneffabel

🇮🇩 tak terlukiskan

🇺🇦 невимовно

🇵🇱 niewypowiedzianie

🇯🇵 言葉では表現できない

🇫🇷 ineffablement

🇪🇸 inefablemente

🇹🇷 anlatılamaz bir şekilde

🇰🇷 형언할 수 없이

🇸🇦 بشكل لا يوصف

🇨🇿 nevyjádřitelně

🇸🇰 nevyjadriteľne

🇨🇳 难以形容地

🇸🇮 neizmerno

🇮🇸 ósegjanlega

🇰🇿 сипатталмас

🇬🇪 არასაგრძნობლად

🇦🇿 təsvir edilə bilməz

🇲🇽 inefablemente

Etymology

The term 'ineffably' originates from the Latin root 'ineffabilis,' which means 'unspeakable' or 'that cannot be expressed.' This word itself combines 'in-' (not) and 'effabilis' (able to be expressed) from 'effari' (to speak out). The English adoption of 'ineffable' emerged in the late 15th century, typically used to describe divine powers or qualities that were beyond human understanding or expression. As the term evolved, its usage expanded into various contexts, including literature, philosophy, and everyday language, often highlighting the limits of human expression in the face of extraordinary experiences or emotions. The adverbial form 'ineffably' became common in the 19th century, further solidifying its place in English lexicon as a means of expressing the inexpressible.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,294, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.