The word "not understandable" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /nɑt ˌʌn.dərˈstænd.ə.bəl/. The "n" at the beginning represents the negation "not", followed by the stressed syllable "der" in "understandable". The suffix "-able" indicates the ability to be understood. The schwa sound /ə/ is then added to connect the two syllables together. The final syllable "ble" is pronounced with a weak stress, making the word "not understandable" easier to say and understand for English speakers.
The phrase "not understandable" refers to something that is not comprehensible or cannot be clearly perceived or grasped. It describes a state or quality where the meaning, nature, or logic behind a particular concept, idea, statement, or action is difficult or impossible to comprehend or make sense of.
When something is described as "not understandable," it implies that it lacks clarity, coherence, or logical structure, making it challenging for individuals to fully understand or interpret. This may arise due to various factors, such as complexity, ambiguity, obscurity, or a lack of familiarity with the subject matter.
The term can be used in different contexts, including in academics, communication, science, and daily life. For example, a complex scientific theory or mathematical equation that is beyond the comprehension of most people might be considered "not understandable" to the general public. Similarly, an incoherent or garbled speech, a coded message, or an incomprehensible foreign language might also be categorized as "not understandable" due to the difficulty in deciphering their intended meaning.
Overall, the expression "not understandable" suggests a lack of clarity, either in terms of explicit explanation, logical reasoning, or effective communication, rendering the subject matter or message challenging or impossible to comprehend.
The word "not understandable" is not a single word, but rather a phrase composed of two separate words: "not" and "understandable". Therefore, discussing their etymologies individually will provide a clearer understanding:
1. Not:
The word "not" is derived from the Old English word "naht", meaning "not at all" or "nothing". It can also be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "niuht", which carries a similar meaning. Over time, this evolved into the Middle English word "not", retaining its negative connotation.
2. Understandable:
The term "understandable" is formed by adding the suffix "-able" to the word "understand".