indubitable
UK[ɪnˈdjuːbɪtəbəl]US[ɪnˈduːbɪtəbəl]
adj
impossible to doubt; unquestionable.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
dubit
able
in
not
dubit
doubt
able
capable of
Etymology
the word 'indubitable' has a clear and direct lineage from latin. it is formed from the latin verb 'dubitare', meaning "to doubt", which itself is thought to be related to the latin 'duo' (two), suggesting a state of hesitation between two options. the negative prefix 'in-' is added to create the sense of "not to be doubted". the suffix '-able' was attached, following a common pattern in latin and later in english, to form an adjective meaning "capable of not being doubted". thus, the literal morphemic construction leads seamlessly to the modern abstract meaning of something so certain it is beyond question.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + dubit (doubt) + able (capable of)
- in: a latin prefix meaning "not".
- dubit: from latin 'dubitare', meaning "to doubt, hesitate".
- able: a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning "capable of, fit for, tending to".
Examples
the evidence of his guilt was indubitable.
she has an indubitable talent for music.
it is an indubitable fact that the earth revolves around the sun.