Unknowable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
unknowable
[สnหnoสษbl ]
Definition
unknown qualities
Unknowable refers to something that cannot be known or understood. It often describes mysteries or concepts that elude human comprehension. This term can apply to various fields, including philosophy, science, and spirituality. The unknowable is often considered to be beyond human perception or understanding, signifying limits in knowledge.
Synonyms
incomprehensible, inconceivable, indeterminate.
Examples of usage
- The nature of existence may be unknowable.
- Some aspects of the universe are truly unknowable.
- There are unknowable forces in play behind human behavior.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- In philosophical discussions, the unknowable often relates to concepts like the limits of human understanding.
- Many philosophers, including Immanuel Kant, argued that there are things that exist beyond our perception and comprehension.
- The idea of the unknowable is frequently connected to metaphysical inquiries into the nature of existence.
Literature
- In literature, the unknowable can represent mysteries that characters grapple with or seek to uncover, often driving the plot forward.
- Famous works, like H.P. Lovecraft's stories, explore cosmic horror as a form of the unknowable, invoking feelings of insignificance.
- Authors often use the concept of the unknowable to create tension, leaving readers pondering the depths of a characterโs motivations.
Science
- In scientific contexts, some theories suggest that there are elements of the universe that may be out of human grasp, like certain aspects of black holes.
- Quantum mechanics introduces the unknowable in physics with principles that challenge classical understanding, such as particles existing in multiple states.
- The limits of knowledge in science can lead to questions about the unknowable, especially in fields like cosmology and consciousness studies.
Origin of 'unknowable'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not,' and 'knowable,' which indicates that something can be known.
- First known use of the word 'unknowable' dates back to the early 17th century.
- It combines elements from Old English roots related to knowledge and understanding.
The word 'unknowable' is derived from the prefix 'un-' which means 'not' and the root word 'knowable,' which is from the verb 'know.' 'Know' originates from the Old English 'cnฤwan,' which means 'to know, perceive, or recognize.' The form 'knowable' dates back to the early 16th century, indicating something that can be known or understood, while 'unknowable' emerged later, emphasizing the aspects of existence that are outside human understanding. The concept of the unknowable has been a significant topic in philosophy and theology, often associated with metaphysical questions about the nature of reality and divinity. It highlights the limitations of human cognition and the pursuit of knowledge.