Langimage
English

inconceivable

|in-con-ceiv-a-ble|

C1

/ˌɪnkənˈsiːvəbl̩/

unimaginable

Etymology
Etymology Information

'inconceivable' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inconceivabilis,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'concipere' meant 'to take in or conceive.'

Historical Evolution

'inconceivabilis' transformed into the French word 'inconcevable,' and eventually became the modern English word 'inconceivable' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'not able to be conceived or imagined,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

not capable of being imagined or grasped mentally; unbelievable.

It seemed inconceivable that she could have survived such a fall.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/18 20:39