Indescribable is spelled with six syllables: /ɪn.dɪ.ˈskraɪ.bəl/. The first syllable "in" is pronounced with the short "i" sound, followed by the "d" sound in the second syllable. The third syllable "scri" is pronounced with the long "e" sound and the fourth syllable "ba" is pronounced with a short "a" sound. The fifth syllable "ble" is pronounced with a short "i" sound and the final syllable "əl" is pronounced with a neutral vowel sound. This word means that something is impossible to describe with words.
Indescribable is an adjective that is used to describe something that cannot be effectively described or characterized in words. It refers to an attribute, quality, feeling, or experience that surpasses or eludes verbal expression. When applied to an object, event, or sensation, it suggests that it is beyond the limits of description, whether due to its exceptional nature, complexity, beauty, intensity, or magnitude.
The term reflects the inability of language to completely capture the essence or meaning of a particular thing or situation. It implies that the subject is beyond the reach of ordinary linguistic tools, making it difficult, if not impossible, to convey its full extent or impact through words alone. An indescribable experience, for instance, might refer to an overwhelmingly emotional or awe-inspiring event that defies explanation or articulation.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the indescribable element is subjective, as it depends on an individual's linguistic abilities, descriptive skills, and personal experiences. What may be indescribable to one person might be more easily articulated by another.
Overall, indescribable denotes something that surpasses the limitations of language, leaving one at a loss for words to adequately represent or explain its true nature or significance.
That cannot be described.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word indescribable originated from the combination of two Latin roots: in- meaning not or without, and describere meaning to describe. The Latin describere is composed of de- meaning down or thoroughly, and scribere meaning to write. So, indescribable can be understood to mean not able to be thoroughly written down or described.