Unexplainable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unexplainable

[ˌənɪkˈspleɪnəbəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Not able to be explained or understood.

Synonyms

incomprehensible, inexplicable, mysterious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unexplainable	Used in the same manner as 'unexplainable' above; often interchangeable without a change in meaning. His behaviors can be quite unexplainable sometimes. The phenomenon is genuinely unexplainable by current science.
inexplicable	Describes something that cannot be explained or understood, often highlighting a sense of mystery or bewilderment. The sudden drop in temperature was inexplicable. She felt an inexplicable sadness looming over her.
incomprehensible	Used when something is difficult or impossible to understand, often due to its complexity or abstract nature. The professor's lecture was full of incomprehensible jargon. The sheer scale of the disaster is incomprehensible.
mysterious	When referring to something that is strange, unknown, or difficult to understand, often evoking curiosity or intrigue. The old house on the hill has a mysterious aura. His past is shrouded in mysterious stories and rumors.

Examples of usage

The sudden disappearance of the plane was unexplainable.
Her behavior was unexplainable, leaving everyone puzzled.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

phenomenon

Defying explanation or understanding; difficult to interpret or analyze.

Synonyms

inexplicable, mystifying, puzzling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unexplainable	Use when something cannot be explained or understood, often in more casual or less formal conversations. The sudden change in his behavior is unexplainable. There is an unexplainable sense of calm in this place.
inexplicable	Appropriate for formal or academic contexts when describing something that cannot be explained. The scientist found the results inexplicable and warranted further investigation. Her inexplicable decisions often left her colleagues baffled.
mystifying	Used to describe something that is baffling or confusing, often with an element of intrigue or curiosity. The disappearance of the ancient civilization remains mystifying. She had a mystifying smile that left everyone guessing.
puzzling	Used when something is confusing or difficult to understand, typically in day-to-day situations. Her motives for helping him were puzzling. The instructions for assembling the furniture were puzzling.

Examples of usage

The unexplainable events in the house led to rumors of it being haunted.
The unexplainable increase in sales left the analysts baffled.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

In philosophy, the concept of the 'unexplainable' brings up questions about the nature of existence and understanding.
Some philosophical arguments, such as those by Kant, suggest that there are intrinsic limitations when explaining phenomena.
The 'unexplainable' often invites deeper inquiry and exploration into the unknown across different fields of study.

Science

In science, there are many occurrences and phenomena that remain classified as unexplainable, pushing the boundaries of current understanding.
Quantum mechanics introduces many unexplainable concepts, such as wave-particle duality, which challenge traditional views.
The phenomenon of dark matter in the universe is considered unexplainable, as it cannot be directly observed but is known to exist due to gravitational effects.

Art

Many artworks aim to evoke feelings or concepts that are unexplainable, allowing viewers to draw personal interpretations.
Some artists intentionally create pieces that leave their meanings open-ended and unexplainable, encouraging viewer engagement.
Dreamlike or surreal art often depicts unexplainable scenes that defy reality, facilitating emotional connections rather than logical understanding.

Psychology

Psychologically, unexplainable feelings or emotions can be a source of deep introspection and personal growth.
Certain experiences, like déjà vu, are often described as unexplainable by researchers, stirring intrigue within the field of cognitive psychology.
The connection between mental states and physical sensations can lead to unexplainable reactions, prompting further exploration into human behavior.

Origin of 'unexplainable'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', combined with 'explain', from Latin 'explicare', meaning 'to unfold or make clear'.
The suffix '-able' adds the meaning of 'capable of' or 'worthy of', indicating that something cannot be explained.
The first known appearance of 'unexplainable' in English dates back to the early 19th century.

The word 'unexplainable' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'explainable'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-19th century. The concept of something being unexplainable has intrigued philosophers, scientists, and storytellers for centuries, as it challenges our understanding of the world around us.