Inexplicably Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inexplicably

[ษชnหˆษ›ksplษชkษ™bli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used in a sentence

In a way that is unable to be explained or understood.

Synonyms

mysteriously, puzzlingly, unaccountably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inexplicably

Use this word when something cannot be explained, often forming a connection to something unexpected or surprising.

  • The car broke down inexplicably
  • She felt inexplicably sad
mysteriously

This word fits well when describing an event, behavior, or phenomenon that is surrounded by mystery or secrecy.

  • The door opened mysteriously
  • He mysteriously disappeared without telling anyone
unaccountably

This word is suitable for situations where there is no clear reason or justification for something that happened, suggesting a lack of explanation.

  • He missed the meeting unaccountably
  • The funds disappeared unaccountably
puzzlingly

Used when something is confusing or hard to understand, often prompting curiosity or thought.

  • The results came out puzzlingly different from expected
  • She smiled puzzlingly when asked about her plans

Examples of usage

  • He left the party inexplicably early.
  • The car stopped inexplicably in the middle of the road.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Humans often seek explanations for mysterious events, as it helps us make sense of the world around us.
  • Emotions and intuitive feelings can sometimes lead to inexplicable situations that donโ€™t seem to logically connect.
  • The brain can fill in gaps of understanding, leading people to accept 'inexplicable' events as real or mystical experiences.

Pop Culture

  • In literature, plots often revolve around inexplicable phenomena, creating tension and intrigue, like in mystery novels.
  • Movies often feature inexplicable twists that leave the audience questioning what they thought they understood from the story.
  • Popular songs explore themes of inexplicable love or events that challenge rationality, portraying deep emotional connections.

Science

  • Certain phenomena in quantum physics remain inexplicable, baffling scientists and prompting new theories.
  • Unexplained medical mysteries can lead to breakthrough research when doctors encounter symptoms that donโ€™t have clear causes.
  • In nature, some animal behaviors are inexplicable, raising questions about instincts and adaptability of species.

Literature

  • Classic literature often includes characters who face inexplicable challenges, pushing themes of fate versus free will.
  • Poetry uses the idea of inexplicability to convey emotions that are too complex to pin down with simple language.
  • Authors use settings filled with inexplicable occurrences to create suspense, drawing readers into a deeper psychological narrative.

Origin of 'inexplicably'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'inexplicably' comes from the Latin 'explicare', meaning 'to unfold' or 'to explain', combined with the prefix 'in-', which negates it.
  • The use of the word dates back to the early 19th century, showing how language evolves to express complex ideas.
  • Parts of the word can also be found in other languages, influencing how different cultures discuss the idea of the unexplainable.

The word 'inexplicably' originated from the combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and the word 'explicable' meaning 'able to be explained'. It first appeared in the mid-19th century and has been used in the English language to describe actions or events that lack a clear explanation.


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

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,185, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.