indefinably
1
7.5
- adverb
- /ˌɪndɪˈfaɪnəbli/
- It was like a roar in the desert that came in potent gusts, hysterical, with something indefinably painful.
Examples
-
Indefinably," Paul replied.
Fiction book (1990) -
These guys really get rock music; there's something indefinably effortlessly cool about their sound. Deerhunter makes me feel like I'm a teenager again hearing My Bloody Valentine or the Stone Roses for the first time.
Blog text (16) -
There is something indefinably different about her smile that makes it captivating.
-
He felt indefinably anxious before his presentation, unsure of how it would go.
-
The painting was indefinably beautiful, evoking feelings that were hard to express.
Synonyms
29
6.9
In a way that cannot be explained or understood
8
6.8
Very much in a way that is hard to describe
4
6.5
In a way that is so strong it is hard to put into words
2
8.0
It is very hard to understand
1
8.2
In a way that is so great it cannot be understood or believed
1
8.1
So strong that you cannot find words to describe it
1
7.7
Very much in a way that words cannot describe
1
9.8
So great that you cannot find words to describe it
1
8.4
You cannot know the exact meaning or result
Antonyms
How Definable
105
3.7
∞
1.0
471
3.2
393
1.6
104
3.9
1
7.5
Surface Forms
Morphology
indefinably = indefinable (transparent) = in + define + able + ly
The adverb is formed regularly from the adjective 'indefinable' with '-ly', and its meaning is directly predictable.
Etymology
The word indefinably comes from in- meaning 'not' and define meaning 'to describe or set limits', the same root you see in define and definite. So indefinably means 'in a way that cannot be clearly described', like a feeling you notice but cannot put into words.