Ineffable Meaning and Definition
Ineffable
Pronunciation
/ɪˈnɛfəbəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A quality or attribute that is too great to be expressed in words, beyond human comprehension, or transcendental; mysterious, elusive, and awe-inspiring.
Examples
- The ineffable beauty of the sunset left me speechless.
- The mystic described the divine as ineffable and beyond human understanding.
Synonyms
- Mysterious
- Elusive
- Transcendental
Antonyms
- Precise
- Definable
- Concrete
Etymology
The word ‘Ineffable’ originates from the Latin ‘ineffabilis’, meaning ‘unutterable’ or ‘inexpressible’, which is derived from ‘inefabilis’, ‘unutterable’, and the suffix ‘-abel’, forming an adjective.
Additional Information
Ineffable is often used to describe experiences, concepts, or entities that are too complex or profound to be captured in words. It is a term that acknowledges the limitations of language and the human capacity for expression.
In philosophical and spiritual contexts, ineffable is often used to describe the inexplicable nature of the divine, the universe, or the human experience.
Usage Notes
Ineffable is typically used as a noun or an adjective to describe something that is beyond human comprehension or expression.
It is often used in poetic, philosophical, or spiritual contexts to convey a sense of awe, wonder, or reverence.
Cultural References
Ineffable has been used in various cultural and literary contexts, including mystical and spiritual texts, philosophical treatises, and poetry.
It has also been used in popular culture, such as in music, film, and literature, to convey a sense of the mysterious and the unknown.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Something that is beyond words
- A concept that is too great to explain
Related Words or Phrases
- Mysterious
- Enigmatic
- Transcendent
Collocations
- ineffable beauty
- ineffable wisdom
- ineffable power
Frequency of Use
Ineffable is not a commonly used word in everyday language, but it is often used in literary, philosophical, and spiritual contexts.
Its frequency of use is limited, but it is an important term in many intellectual and artistic traditions.
Common Misspellings
- Infindable
- Infeable
- Ineffible