ineffable
adjective
Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words; beyond verbal expression. Often used for experiences of profound beauty, joy, or transcendence.
Etymology
From Latin "ineffabilis" (unutterable), from "in" (not) + "effabilis" (utterable), from "effari" (to utter), from "ex" (out) + "fari" (to speak).
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The sunset over the Grand Canyon created an ineffable sense of wonder."
- 2.
"She felt an ineffable connection to the music that brought tears to her eyes."
- 3.
"Some experiences are ineffable, lying beyond the reach of language."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Many religious traditions have doctrines of divine ineffability—the belief that God or ultimate reality cannot be adequately described in human language. This concept appears in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Eastern philosophies.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 9 letters (I, N, E, F, F, A, B, L, E)
Scrabble Value: 17 points
Tip: Words ending in "LE" are often good scoring opportunities.
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