The word "incognisable" is spelled with the prefix "in-" to indicate negation, followed by "cognisable," meaning "able to be recognized or identified." The IPA phonetic transcription of "incognisable" is ɪnˈkɒɡnɪsaɪzəbl. The "i" in "in" is pronounced as "ɪ," the "o" in "cog" as "ɒ," the "n" as "n," and the "g" as "ɡ." The final "b" is silent, and the stress is on the second syllable, "cog." The word is commonly spelled as "incognizable" in American English.
Incognisable is an adjective that describes something that cannot be recognized or identified due to a lack of distinctive characteristics, features, or familiarity. When an object, person, or concept is incognisable, it is extremely difficult or impossible to discern or determine its true nature, appearance, or purpose.
This word also refers to something that is unrecognizable or unidentifiable because it has been concealed, hidden, or modified to the point where its original form or essence cannot be discerned. It could be used to describe an individual who has dramatically altered their appearance with extensive plastic surgery and cannot be recognized by others who were once familiar with that person.
In some contexts, incognisable can refer to something that is so unfamiliar or unusual that it cannot be easily understood, described, or categorized. This can apply to abstract or intangible concepts, such as complex theories or profound philosophical ideas that are beyond conventional comprehension.
Furthermore, the term incognisable can also describe the state of being unable to be remembered or recalled from memory. In this sense, it pertains to information or experiences that one cannot retrieve or recognize due to forgetfulness, amnesia, or other memory-related conditions.
In summary, incognisable refers to something that is unrecognizable, unidentified, hidden, unfamiliar, or difficult to comprehend or remember.
That cannot be known or distinguished.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word incognisable is derived from the Latin word incognoscibilis, which is formed from the prefix in- (meaning not) added to the word cognoscibilis (meaning knowable). This Latin term evolved into incognizable in English, but its usage is less common compared to its synonym unrecognizable.