Inexplicably: meaning, definitions and examples

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inexplicably

 

[ɪnˈɛksplɪkəbli ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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 don’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 don’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.

Translations

Translations of the word "inexplicably" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inexplicavelmente

🇮🇳 अस्पष्ट रूप से

🇩🇪 unerklärlicherweise

🇮🇩 secara tak terduga

🇺🇦 незрозуміло

🇵🇱 niewytłumaczalnie

🇯🇵 説明できないほどに

🇫🇷 inexplicablement

🇪🇸 inexplicablemente

🇹🇷 açıklanamaz şekilde

🇰🇷 설명할 수 없게

🇸🇦 بشكل غير مبرر

🇨🇿 nepochopitelně

🇸🇰 nevysvetliteľne

🇨🇳 无法解释地

🇸🇮 nepojasnljivo

🇮🇸 óútskýranlega

🇰🇿 түсініксіз түрде

🇬🇪 გაუგებრად

🇦🇿 izaholunmaz şəkildə

🇲🇽 inexplicablemente

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.