French word

inexplicable

Pronunciation

IPA/inɛksplikabl/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunexplainable

Example

Ce phénomène est inexplicable.

This phenomenon is unexplainable.

Illustration for inexplicable (unexplainable)

More examples

Son comportement reste inexplicable pour tout le monde.

His behavior remains inexplicable to everyone.

Core concept

A gap between what happens and any account that makes it make sense.

Common phrases

  • comportement inexplicable

    inexplicable behavior

  • raison inexplicable

    inexplicable reason

  • cause inexplicable

    inexplicable cause

Similar words

étrange: Different from what is ordinary in a way that feels strange.
bizarre: Remarkably peculiar in appearance or conduct.
mystérieux: Suggesting a hidden cause or mechanism that remains unknown.
incompréhensible: Beyond understanding or reasonable comprehension.

Definition in French

Qui ne peut pas être expliqué de façon satisfaisante ; dont la cause ou le sens reste obscur.

Word origin

French formed inexplicable from explicable with the negative prefix in-, while expliquer and explicable ultimately derive from Latin explicare, meaning 'unfold' or 'explain'.

Usage tips

  • French distinguishes inexplicable, 'impossible to explain', from inexpliqué, which more directly means 'unexplained' or not yet explained.

Other meanings

  • mysteriousadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • inexplicabilitéinexplicabilitynoun
  • inexplicablementinexplicablyadverb

Word lists with this word