English vocabulary · C1
Ineffable
/ɪnˈɛf.ə.bəl/ · adj.
It means too great or too beautiful to put into words. You feel it, but you cannot say it.
Watch the Ineffable lessonContinue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- The view from the top was ineffable.
- She felt an ineffable joy when her child was born.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- in — not (from Latin)
- ef — out (from Latin)
- fable — say (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- UNUTTERABLE — impossible to speak (Too Painful or Sacred)
- INDESCRIBABLE — too hard to describe (Everyday & Accessible)
- INEXPRESSIBLE — cannot be expressed (Emotional & Intense)
Words with the same root
fable — say
- fame — being known and talked about by many
- infant — a very young baby
- fate — what will happen to someone
Lesson notes
Ineffable. It means too great or too beautiful to put into words. You feel it, but you cannot say it.
Similar words are unutterable, indescribable, and inexpressible. Use ineffable when a feeling is too big for words.
The view from the top was ineffable. She felt an ineffable joy when her child was born.
From Latin. In- means not. Ef- means out. Fable- means say. Not able to say out — that is ineffable.