What Does ineffable Mean

If you’re recently come across the term ineffable and are unsure about what the word ineffable means, simply continue reading a guide to understanding the term ineffable.

What does ineffable mean?

The term ineffable can be used to describe something which is beyond description and which is effectively indescribable. If something is ineffable an individual may struggle to find the right words to describe the item, person or place question.

Sometimes the term ineffable can be used to describe sacred or religious names which are deemed too special to be uttered aloud. In many religions around the world the names of spiritual deities and gods are deemed to be ineffable and it is seen as disrespectful if an individual speaks such a name out loud.

As an example, in Judaism the name for god is Tetragrammaton, however the name Tertagrammatron isn’t used in the Torah, which is Judaism’s holy text as it’s deemed by Jewish observers to be too ineffable to write down or to speak. Instead the Jewish god is referred to either as the lord or god.

Sometimes the term ineffable can be used to describe emotions:

The term ineffable is also often used to describe powerful emotions such as an intense amount of pure love. As an example joyful brides and grooms can be described as being ineffable on their wedding day, when they are surrounded by supportive friends and family members and get to tie the knot with the love of their life.

The same term can also be used to describe the unadulterated elation that an individual may feel if they check their lottery numbers and find that they are the winner of a multi million dollar lotto draw, that will change their lives forever.

While the term ineffable most often has positive connotations, the term ineffable can also be used to describe overpowering negative emotions. As an example a parent or grand parent who buries their child before their time may be accurately described as being ineffable.

Or an individual who loses their home in a freak natural disastar, that they’ve spent a lifetime paying off, may also be described as being ineffable.

Events and places can be described as ineffable:

Just as individuals, deities and emotions can be described as ineffable, events and places can also be described as ineffable. As an example, the effect of the Holocaust on the world could be described as ineffable, while the loss of lives on a battlefield can also be described as ineffable.

A person can be described as being ineffable as a compliment:

On the odd occasion an individual may refer to another individual as being ineffable if they are in awe of the individual which they are talking about. Often individuals who are in awe of a celebrity or of someone who they find incredibly attractive may call the celebrity or crush who they meet, or their experience being with them as ineffable.

Hopefully, you now have a clear understanding of how to correctly use the term ineffable in everyday conversations!