Innumerable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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innumerable
[ɪˈnjuːm(ə)rəb(ə)l ]
Definitions
countless
Too many to be counted; numerous beyond measure.
Synonyms
countless, multitudinous, numerous, uncountable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| innumerable |
Same as 'innumerable' given above.
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| countless |
Used in everyday language to describe something that is so many it feels impossible to count.
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| uncountable |
Used to describe something that can't be counted, usually because it is not countable by nature (e.g., sand, water) or because it is too numerous.
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| numerous |
Used to describe many people or things and often used in both formal and informal settings.
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| multitudinous |
Often used in more formal or literary contexts to describe a large number or a large variety of something.
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Examples of usage
- There are innumerable stars in the sky.
- The beach was covered in innumerable seashells.
- She faced innumerable obstacles on her path to success.
incalculable
Too many to be calculated or reckoned.
Synonyms
immeasurable, incalculable, unfathomable, unquantifiable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| innumerable |
This word is best when referring to something that is so numerous it can't be counted, typically used for positive or neutral contexts.
|
| incalculable |
This word works well when referring to something so great or numerous it cannot be calculated, can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
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| immeasurable |
This word suits situations where something is so vast or extreme that it can't be measured, often used in a positive or neutral context.
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| unquantifiable |
This word is appropriate when it is impossible to express something in numbers, generally used for neutral or technical contexts.
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| unfathomable |
This word is ideal for things so deep or complex that they are beyond understanding, often used in a neutral or negative context.
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Examples of usage
- The innumerable grains of sand on the beach.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In set theory, there are infinite sets that are considered 'innumerable', such as the set of real numbers.
- Different types of infinity exist; some infinities are larger than others, with 'countably infinite' numbers being those that can be listed or counted.
- The notion of 'innumerable' reflects real-world ideas, such as when comparing the number of rational numbers versus integers.
Literature
- Writers often use 'innumerable' to enhance imagery, such as in poetry where emotions or thoughts cannot be easily counted.
- In classic literature, countless cultural references often appear, illustrating themes of vastness and existential experience.
- Famous authors like Shakespeare have depicted feelings as 'innumerable', capturing the enormity of human emotions.
Philosophy
- The concept of the 'innumerable' raises discussions about existence and infinity, often engaging philosophers in abstract thought.
- Philosophers debate the nature of 'innumerable' when discussing the universe and its potential infinite phenomena.
- It challenges us to consider the limits of human understanding and perception when faced with the vastness of ideas or life.
Pop Culture
- 'Innumerable' often appears in songs or films to denote feelings that swell beyond counting, enhancing emotional impact.
- The idea of countless options or feelings in storytelling often uses 'innumerable' to express overwhelm or abundance.
- In video games, enemies or items may be described as 'innumerable' to emphasize challenges faced by characters.
Origin of 'innumerable'
Main points about word origin
- This word comes from the Latin 'innumerabilis', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'numerabilis' means 'able to be counted'.
- The prefix 'in-' is common in words to indicate negation, as seen in 'invisible' (not seen) and 'incorrect' (not correct).
- It was first used in English in the late 14th century, emphasizing the concept of uncountability.
The word 'innumerable' originated from the Latin word 'innumerabilis', which is a combination of 'in-' (not) and 'numerabilis' (able to be numbered). The English word first appeared in the 14th century. Over time, 'innumerable' has been used to describe a vast quantity that cannot be counted or measured accurately.
See also: enumerable, numberable, numbering, numbers, numerous.