Incessant
Continuing without pause; never stopping; unceasing
adjectiveIncessant
Continuing without pause; never stopping; unceasing
adjectiveImagine This
When the ant saw the sugar in a closed jar, he tried to find access to the sugar, but failed repeatedly.
Sounds Like
in-SES-suhnt
Looks Like
in + access + ant; In- is a prefix meaning not
Remember This
Etymology: from Latin incessans, from in- 'not' + cessΔre 'to cease'; cess- relates to ceasing, so incessant means 'not ceasing'.
Other Forms
Connect With
ceaseless, constant, perpetual, relentless, unremitting
Note
Incessant describes something continuing without pause and is often used for noises, questions, or rain. It does not inherently carry a positive or negative judgment, but context matters. Distinguish from ceaseless, which is a close synonym.
Study Deeper
- The incessant rain kept us indoors all day.
- Her incessant questions annoyed the other students.
From Latin incessans, from in- 'not' + cessΔre 'to cease'. The root cess- relates to ceasing or going.
IN + CESS ant: an ant that never ceases; the in- prefix signals not, and cess echoes cease.
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Prevail
verbTo be more powerful or successful than opposing forces; to win or triumph; also to persuade someone to do something (as in prevail upon).
Retraction
nounThe act of withdrawing a statement or claim; a formal reversal or correction of something previously stated or published.
Laconic
adjectiveExpressed in only a few words; concise to the point of seeming abrupt.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
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adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
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adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.