Unthinkably Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unthinkably

[ʌnˈθɪŋkəbli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

inconceivable

In a way that is impossible to imagine or believe.

Synonyms

impossibly, inconceivably, unimaginably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unthinkably	Use this when something is so unlikely or extreme that it cannot be considered or imagined happening. It was unthinkably cold, even for winter. The idea of world peace seemed unthinkably distant.
inconceivably	Use this to express that something is beyond belief or cannot be comprehended. The universe is inconceivably vast. His generosity was inconceivably large.
impossibly	Use this when describing something that cannot happen or be achieved, often used in an exaggerated sense. She finished the assignment in an impossibly short time. The mountain seemed impossibly high to climb.
unimaginably	Use this to describe something that is beyond what one can imagine, often used to emphasize the scale or degree of something. The earthquake caused unimaginably extensive damage. She achieved success at an unimaginably young age.

Examples of usage

It was unthinkably cold outside.
The idea of traveling to space was unthinkably exciting.
She had unthinkably good luck that day.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Cognitive dissonance occurs when faced with unthinkable situations, leading to stress as our beliefs clash with reality.
Research shows that people often struggle to process events that challenge their worldview, causing denial in extreme circumstances.
Imagining unthinkable scenarios can lead to heightened anxiety and can influence decision-making.

Literature

In dystopian literature, characters often face unthinkable choices that force them to reevaluate their morals and society’s values.
Classic works, such as George Orwell’s '1984', explore themes that reveal the unthinkable aspects of an oppressive regime.
Many horror stories thrive on the notion of the unthinkable, invoking fear by presenting unimaginable creatures or events.

Pop Culture

Movies often depict unthinkably dramatic twists, leaving audiences shocked and discussing the plot long after the credits roll.
In music, songs about love and loss sometimes delve into unthinkable heartbreak, resonating deeply with listeners.
Television series, especially in the fantasy genre, frequently feature unthinkable consequences of character choices, engaging viewers.

Philosophy

Philosophical discussions often dive into the realms of the unthinkable, exploring the limits of human understanding and existence.
Concepts like determinism challenge our sense of free will, proposing unthinkable implications about our choices and actions.
Some philosophical works argue that the unthinkable reflects our innate fears and the boundaries of our moral frameworks.

Origin of 'unthinkably'

Main points about word origin

The prefix 'un-' is of Old English origin, meaning 'not' or 'the opposite of'.
'Think' comes from the Old English 'þencan', which means to consider or to have in mind.
The suffix '-ably' is derived from Latin, forming adverbs that describe the manner of an action.

The word 'unthinkably' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'the opposite of' and the word 'thinkable' which means able to be thought of or considered. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-19th century.