Ineffable
ɪˈnɛfəbl̩
Definitions
Defying expression or description; too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.
ɪˈnɛfəbl̩
Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.
The ineffable beauty of the stars filled the night sky.
💡 Simply: Imagine something so amazing, so beautiful, or so overwhelmingly emotional that words just can't do it justice. Like that moment when you see a perfect sunset or feel pure joy – that’s what ineffable is like. It’s beyond words!
👶 For kids: Something ineffable is so amazing you can't even find the right words to talk about it!
More Examples
She felt an ineffable sense of peace watching the ocean.
The love between them was described as something ineffable.
How It's Used
"The ineffable beauty of the sunset left her speechless."
"The experience of divine presence was described as ineffable."
"The ineffable nature of consciousness continues to baffle scientists."
From Latin *ineffabilis* ('unutterable'), from *in-* ('not') + *effabilis* ('speakable'). It reflects a quality beyond words.
The word has been in use since the 15th century, often used in religious and philosophical contexts to describe the divine or experiences that transcend human understanding.
Memory tip
Think of 'in-' (not) and 'effable' (speakable). Something ineffable can't be spoken.