How Do You Spell UNSPEAKABLE?

Pronunciation: [ʌnspˈiːkəbə͡l] (IPA)

The word "unspeakable" is spelled with a silent "k", making its pronunciation [ʌnˈspiːkəbl]. The "k" is derived from the Greek roots of the word, where the prefix "un-" means "not" and the root "speak" originates from "phōnein" meaning "to sound". This word is used to describe something that is too terrible or shocking to be expressed in words. The unique spelling of "unspeakable" is a result of its Greek origin and English language evolution.

UNSPEAKABLE Meaning and Definition

  1. Unspeakable is an adjective that describes something that is too horrifying, shocking, or offensive to be put into words or uttered. It is used to express the unimaginable nature of an event, experience, or feeling. This term emphasizes the profound and intense nature of the subject matter, suggesting that it is beyond verbal expression or articulate description.

    When something is deemed unspeakable, it is generally believed that using language to convey the extent of its impact or nature would not do it justice. It implies that it transcends the limits of language and human understanding, leaving individuals at a loss for words. This word is often associated with grave atrocities, heinous crimes, or extreme acts of violence that are considered beyond comprehension or acceptable human behavior.

    The concept of unspeakable can also extend to personal experiences or emotions that are deeply distressing, traumatic, or gut-wrenching. These may include grief, trauma, or intense suffering which one finds difficult to articulate due to the overwhelming nature of the experience or the lack of adequate words to fully convey the magnitude of their impact.

    In summary, unspeakable connotes something that is too dreadful, shocking, horrific, or offensive to be described or expressed through language. It signifies a level of horror or emotional intensity that is beyond what words can adequately communicate.

  2. That cannot be spoken or uttered; that cannot be expressed in words.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for UNSPEAKABLE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for UNSPEAKABLE

Etymology of UNSPEAKABLE

The word "unspeakable" originated from the combination of the prefix "un-" meaning "not" or "lack of", and the root word "speakable", derived from the verb "speak". "Speakable" comes from the Old English word "specan", which eventually evolved into "speak". The word "unspeakable" was first recorded in the English language in the 14th century.

Similar spelling words for UNSPEAKABLE

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