Inextricable is spelled with the letter "x" in the middle, which can be confusing for English learners. However, the correct pronunciation of the word is /ɪnˈɛkstrɪkəbəl/, with the "x" being pronounced as "ks". This means that "inextricable" is actually a combination of the prefix "in-" (meaning "not"), "ex-" (meaning "out of"), and "tricable" (meaning "able to be untangled"). So the word refers to something that cannot be untangled or separated.
The term "inextricable" refers to a situation or thing that is unable to be separated, untangled, or disentangled from something else. It describes an intricate or complex relationship, connection, or bond between two or more elements that cannot be unraveled or understood individually. The word captures a sense of permanence or inevitability in the entwined nature of the elements.
When something is deemed inextricable, it suggests that the components are so interwoven, interdependent, or intertwined that they cannot be separated without causing considerable damage or disruption. This could apply to abstract concepts like emotions, ideas, or beliefs, or even to tangible elements such as physical objects or systems. Inextricability implies that the elements are so closely linked that it is difficult or impossible to distinguish between them or identify where one begins and the other ends.
The term often connotes a sense of complexity or intricacy that defies simple analysis or explanation. It signifies a state of being in which the elements involved are fundamentally and irrevocably interconnected, leaving no room for isolation or detachment. Inextricable can also express a sense of inevitability, suggesting that the entwined nature of the elements is a natural or expected outcome, and attempts to separate them would be fruitless or ill-advised. Overall, "inextricable" encapsulates a notion of inseparability, complexity, and entanglement that defies easy separation or disentanglement.
That cannot be freed or disentangled.
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 inextricable is derived from the Latin word inextricabilis, which is formed by combining the prefix in- (meaning not) with the base word extricare (meaning to disentangle). The Latin term extricare is itself a compound word derived from the prefix ex- (meaning out) and the verb tricae (meaning obstacles or hindrances). Therefore, inextricable essentially means not able to be disentangled or impossible to separate.