indefinable
UK[ˌɪndɪˈfaɪnəbl]US[ˌɪndɪˈfaɪnəbl]
adj
not able to be defined or described exactly
Morpheme Breakdown
in
defin
able
in
not
defin
to set bounds
able
capable of
Etymology
the word 'indefinable' is a relatively modern english formation, built upon the established adjective 'definable'. its core component, 'defin', originates from the latin verb 'definire', meaning "to set limits to, to bound, to determine," which itself is composed of 'de-' (completely) and 'finire' (to bound, limit), from 'finis' (end, boundary). the addition of the negative prefix 'in-' creates the sense of "not capable of being bounded or limited." the suffix '-able' then completes the word, indicating the quality or state of being. thus, the literal morphemic logic—"not capable of being bounded"—perfectly captures the modern abstract meaning of something that eludes precise description or definition.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + defin (to set bounds) + able (capable of)
- in: a latin prefix meaning "not" or "without".
- defin: from latin 'definire', meaning "to limit, determine, set bounds". it is a direct substring of the modern spelling.
- able: a suffix of latin origin via old french, meaning "capable of, fit for, tending to".
Examples
the painting evoked an indefinable sense of melancholy.
there was an indefinable quality about her that made her unforgettable.
the concept of beauty remains largely indefinable.