Ineffable
Too great or extreme to be described in words; indescribable.
adjectiveIneffable
Too great or extreme to be described in words; indescribable.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine witnessing a sunrise so breathtaking that every attempt to describe it falls short; the color, light, and feeling are real, yet language fails to capture it.
Sounds Like
in-EF-uh-buhl
Looks Like
IN + EFFABLE (the negation of 'effable', which means able to be expressed).
Remember This
Ineffable describes experiences or phenomena that are beyond description. Its opposite is effable (able to be described).
Other Forms
Connect With
indescribable, inexpressible, unutterable, beyond words; awe, wonder
Note
Be careful not to confuse with words like inevitable or inefficient. Use ineffable for things that cannot be adequately expressed in words or spoken aloud.
Study Deeper
- The beauty of the aurora borealis was ineffable, leaving us in stunned silence.
- His joy at becoming a parent was ineffable, something words could not capture.
From Latin ineffΔbilis 'not able to be spoken', from in- 'not' + effΔrΔ« 'to speak', with effable meaning 'able to be spoken'.
Mnemonic: IN- + EFFABLE = not able to be spoken. Visualize a sign saying IN- on the word EFFABLE, signaling that this thing cannot be described in words.
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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.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
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.