Inexplicable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inexplicable

[ɪnˈɛksplɪkəbəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Unable to be explained or understood.

Synonyms

mysterious, unexplainable, unfathomable.

Examples of usage

  • It was an inexplicable feeling of joy that overwhelmed her.
  • The sudden disappearance of the ship remains inexplicable to this day.
Context #2 | Adjective

event

Not able to be accounted for or understood.

Synonyms

baffling, puzzling, unaccountable.

Examples of usage

  • The inexplicable break in communication raised suspicion among the team members.
  • The inexplicable events that followed left everyone in shock.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, characters often encounter inexplicable events, creating a sense of mystery and adding depth to the narrative.
  • Many authors use the concept of the inexplicable to explore themes of the unknown, like in fantasy and horror genres.
  • Famous poems and novels often leave elements inexplicable to evoke curiosity and deeper thought in readers.

Psychology

  • The brain struggles with the inexplicable, often leading to cognitive dissonance, where conflicting ideas co-exist uncomfortably.
  • Humans tend to seek explanations for everything; when faced with the inexplicable, they may turn to beliefs or imagination.
  • Certain psychological phenomena, like déjà vu, are described as 'inexplicable' because they defy logical understanding.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies and TV shows thrive on inexplicable plot twists, engaging audiences by leaving them guessing.
  • Inexplicable events in pop culture, like paranormal occurrences, often inspire fascination and fan theories.
  • The term is often used in music lyrics to describe feelings or situations that are hard to express or understand.

Science

  • In physics, certain phenomena are considered inexplicable until further research unveils their mysteries, like dark matter.
  • Einstein referred to some aspects of quantum mechanics as inexplicable in his famous debates with Niels Bohr.
  • Concepts like black holes were once regarded as too complex and thus inexplicable until scientific advances provided more understanding.

Origin of 'inexplicable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'inexplicabilis', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'explicare' means 'to explain'.
  • It has been in use in English since the early 1600s, originally describing things that were difficult to clarify.
  • The prefix 'in-' is commonly used in English to create negations, showing the opposite of the root word.

The word 'inexplicable' originated from the Latin word 'inexplicabilis', which means 'that cannot be unfolded or explained'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century. The prefix 'in-' signifies negation, while 'explicable' is derived from 'explicare', meaning 'to unfold' or 'to explain'. Over time, 'inexplicable' has been used to describe things or events that defy logical explanation or understanding.


See also: explainable, explained, explainer, explanations, explanative, explanatory, inexplicably, unexplainable, unexplainableness, unexplainably, unexplained.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,183, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.