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Ineluctable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ineluctable

[ɪ.nɪˈlʌk.tə.bəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

inevitable situation

Ineluctable describes something that is unavoidable or certain to happen. It conveys a sense of helplessness in the face of an event or outcome that cannot be changed or escaped.

Synonyms

certain, inescapable, inevitable, unavoidable.

Examples of usage

  • The ineluctable passage of time affects us all.
  • He faced the ineluctable reality of his circumstances.
  • Ineluctable fate led them to meet again.
  • The ineluctable nature of change can be unsettling.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The term appears in various literary works, notably found in James Joyce's 'Ulysses'.
  • Often used by writers to convey a sense of fate or destiny, making the reader feel the weight of inevitable events.
  • It can invoke a philosophical exploration of free will versus determinism in narrative themes.

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions, it raises questions about human agency and the nature of destiny.
  • Existentialists might argue that while many things seem ineluctable, individuals still shape their own paths within those constraints.
  • The concept often intertwines with discussions about fatalism and how individuals perceive control over their lives.

Pop Culture

  • Lyrics in various songs have embraced the concept, often conveying themes of love or consequences that are unavoidable.
  • In films, characters often face ineluctable challenges that drive the plot, demonstrating the struggle against fate.
  • Social media often presents trends or challenges that seem ineluctable due to their viral nature.

Science

  • In physics, certain laws describe ineluctable outcomes, like gravity always pulling objects towards each other.
  • In ecological contexts, outcomes such as extinction can be seen as ineluctable consequences of environmental changes.
  • Thermodynamics introduces concepts that show certain processes are ineluctable, such as energy dispersion in closed systems.

Origin of 'ineluctable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'ineluctabilis', which means 'unavoidable'.
  • It combines 'in-' (not) with 'eluctare' (to struggle out), highlighting its meaning of inevitability.
  • The evolution through Old French before entering English adds to its richness, emphasizing a struggle against fate.

The word 'ineluctable' has its roots in Latin, derived from 'ineluctabilis', which means 'unavoidable'. This Latin term breaks down further into 'in-' meaning 'not', and 'eluctabilis', which comes from 'eluctari' meaning 'to struggle out' or 'to escape'. The term entered the English language in the early 19th century, embodying a sense of forceful inevitability. It has since been used in both literary and philosophical contexts to discuss themes of fate, destiny, and the human experience's inevitable truths. Notably, it has been employed by various writers, including the influence of existential and determinist philosophies that explore the constraints placed on individuals by larger, uncontrollable forces.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,044 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.