Unspeakably: meaning, definitions and examples

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unspeakably

 

[ ʌnˈspiːkəbli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

degree of something

The term 'unspeakably' is used to describe something that is so extreme or intense that it cannot be adequately expressed in words. It often conveys feelings or situations that are overwhelming or beyond description, such as grief, joy, or horror. This word can intensify the meaning of an adjective or describe an action that is incomprehensible or indefinable. Its usage generally implies a sense of helplessness in articulating the magnitude of the feelings or experiences involved.

Synonyms

incomprehensibly, indescribably, inexpressibly

Examples of usage

  • She was unspeakably happy on her wedding day.
  • The tragedy was unspeakably horrifying.
  • He felt unspeakably grateful for their kindness.

Translations

Translations of the word "unspeakably" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inexplicavelmente

🇮🇳 अनकहा तरीके से

🇩🇪 unbeschreiblich

🇮🇩 tak terkatakan

🇺🇦 непоясненно

🇵🇱 niewypowiedzianie

🇯🇵 言葉にできないほど

🇫🇷 inexprimablement

🇪🇸 inexpresablemente

🇹🇷 açıklanamaz şekilde

🇰🇷 말할 수 없을 만큼

🇸🇦 بشكل لا يوصف

🇨🇿 nevyjádřitelně

🇸🇰 nepopísateľne

🇨🇳 不可言喻地

🇸🇮 neizrekljivo

🇮🇸 óútskýranlegar

🇰🇿 сөзбен айтып жеткізілмейтін

🇬🇪 არასათქმელი

🇦🇿 izah olunmaz

🇲🇽 inexpresablemente

Word origin

The adverb 'unspeakably' is derived from the adjective 'unspeakable', which entered the English language in the late 17th century. The root of 'unspeakable' comes from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', combined with 'speakable', which originates from the Middle English 'speken' (to speak) and is related to Old English 'sprecan'. The transformation into 'unspeakably' as an adverb allows it to modify verbs and adjectives to communicate a deeper degree of the quality described. Usage of 'unspeakable' has included topics ranging from emotional experiences to transcendent and horror-filled events, solidifying its place in English to convey the intensity of those experiences that words fail to encapsulate.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,205, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.