首页

incontrovertible

UK[ˌɪnkɒntrəˈvɜːtəbl]US[ˌɪnkɑːntrəˈvɜːrtəbl]
adj

impossible to deny or disprove; unquestionably true.

Morpheme Breakdown

in
controvert
ible
in

not

controvert

to dispute, to turn against

ible

able to be

Etymology

the word 'incontrovertible' is built from latin components. the core 'controvert' derives from the latin verb 'controvertere', a compound of 'contra-' (against) and 'vertere' (to turn), literally meaning 'to turn against' and thus 'to dispute'. the prefix 'in-' negates this, creating a sense of 'not able to be disputed'. the suffix '-ible' (from latin '-ibilis') forms an adjective meaning 'able to be'. therefore, the literal morphemic construction 'not able to be turned against' evolved into the modern abstract meaning of 'undeniable truth', capturing the idea of a fact so solid it cannot be argued against or overturned.

Analysis

Structure: in + controvert + ible in- (latin, prefix meaning 'not'), controvert (latin, from 'controvertere', meaning 'to dispute, to turn against'), -ible (latin, suffix meaning 'able to be').

Examples

the scientific evidence supporting climate change is now incontrovertible.

her alibi provided an incontrovertible proof of her innocence.

the authenticity of the document was considered incontrovertible by all experts.

incontrovertible – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology