ineffable

/ɪˈnef.ə.bəl/
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Too powerful or subtle to be adequately described in words.

Examples

  • The valley had an ineffable beauty at dawn.
  • He tried to describe the ineffable experience.
  • The music inspired an ineffable sense of wonder.
  • She felt an ineffable joy at the reunion.
  • There was an ineffable calm in the room.

Similar words

inexpressible
indescribable
unutterable

Meanings

Beyond words

adjective
expression
formal
Often describes an intense positive emotion, beauty or experience that words cannot fully capture.

Examples

  • She felt an ineffable joy at the reunion.
  • The valley had an ineffable beauty at dawn.
  • There was an ineffable calm in the room.
  • He tried to describe the ineffable experience.
  • The music inspired an ineffable sense of wonder.

Similar words

Etymology

From Latin ineffabilis, literally unable to be spoken, from in- and effari.

FAQ

What does ineffable mean?

Too powerful or subtle to be adequately described in words.

When is ineffable used?

Use it with emotions, beauty or experiences that resist description.

How does ineffable differ from indescribable?

Indescribable is broad; ineffable is especially used for deeply felt or sublime experiences.

How is ineffable used in a sentence?

She felt an ineffable joy at the reunion.

Is ineffable formal?

It is a formal and often literary adjective.

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