Inexplicable
/ˌɪnɪkˈsplɪkəbəl/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Inexplicable describes something that is impossible or very hard to explain. When you say something is inexplicable, you mean that no one can find a clear reason or answer for it, even after trying to understand it carefully.
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See It in Action
Impossible or very hard to explain or understand
- •The sudden disappearance of the plane was inexplicable.
- •She felt an inexplicable sadness without knowing why.
- •There was an inexplicable noise coming from the old house.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "inexplicable" like "strange," but stronger—it's not just unusual, it is something you cannot explain at all.
- ✓Picture a magic trick that leaves you confused because you can’t see how it was done.
- ✓It’s the feeling when something happens, and you just say, "I don’t understand why this happened."
- ✓Sounds like "in-ex-PLICK-a-bull" → imagine a puzzle with missing pieces that you cannot fix or explain.
- ✓Remember stories about ghosts or mysteries where no one can find the reason why something happened.
- ✓NOT like "confusing" (which means hard to understand but possible to explain), "inexplicable" means no explanation works.
- ✓NOT like "unknown" (which means you don’t know yet), "inexplicable" means it is very difficult or impossible to explain at all.
- ✓NOT like "clear" or "simple," it is the opposite—something very puzzling or mysterious.
Try Other Words
- •Mysterious: difficult or impossible to understand or explain (Use when you want to emphasize the unknown or secret nature)
- •Unexplainable: cannot be explained (Use as a direct synonym in most contexts, slightly less formal)
- •Puzzling: causing confusion or difficulty in understanding (Use when something is confusing but might be explained later)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "in-" (not) + root "explicable" (able to be explained)
- •Etymology: From Latin "in-" meaning "not" + "explicare" meaning "to explain or unfold"
- •Historical development: Used in English since the late 1600s to describe things that cannot be explained
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe events, feelings, or situations that are mysterious or beyond understanding in everyday and formal language
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you experienced something inexplicable? How did it make you feel?
•Why do you think humans want to find explanations for everything, even things that seem inexplicable?
Fill in the blanks
1.The sudden change in weather was inexplicable because there was no ___ warning or reason.
2.She had an inexplicable feeling of happiness that did not ___ any clear cause.
3.Unlike confusing instructions, an inexplicable event has no ___ explanation.
4.People often describe strange lights in the sky as inexplicable because they cannot ___ them.
5.The story was so mysterious and inexplicable that no one could ___ what really happened.
6.He tried to find a reason, but the behavior was completely inexplicable and ___ understanding.
7.When something is called inexplicable, it usually means scientists or experts have no ___ for it.