French word

indescriptible

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃dɛskʁiptibl/

Meaning

  • adjectiveindescribable

Example

Sa joie était indescriptible.

His joy was indescribable.

Illustration for indescriptible (indescribable)

More examples

Après la nouvelle, on a ressenti un silence indescriptible.

After the news, we felt an indescribable silence.

Core concept

Something so overwhelming that words fail to give it a complete shape.

Common phrases

  • une beauté indescriptible

    an indescribable beauty

  • un silence indescriptible

    an indescribable silence

Similar words

incroyable: So astonishing that it is hard to believe.
étonnant: Causing surprise or a sense of wonder.
magnifique: Extremely beautiful or splendid in appearance or quality.
formidable: Excellent and deeply impressive.

Definition in French

Que l'on ne peut décrire de façon adéquate par des mots.

Word origin

The French adjective reflects Latin indescriptibilis, formed with the negative prefix in- and the verb describere, meaning 'to describe'.

Usage tips

  • The final e in indescriptible is silent, and its pronunciation does not change between masculine and feminine forms.

Opposites

  • décrivabledescribableadjective
  • exprimableexpressibleadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word