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inexplicably

UK[ˌɪnɪkˈsplɪkəbli]US[ˌɪnɪkˈsplɪkəbli]
adv

in a way that cannot be explained or understood

Morpheme Breakdown

in
explic
ably
in

not

explic

explain

ably

in a manner of

Etymology

the word 'inexplicably' is built upon the latin verb explicare, meaning "to unfold" or "to set free". this literal sense of unfolding something complex evolved metaphorically into the abstract meaning "to explain". the negative prefix in- was added to form inexplicabilis in late latin, meaning "that cannot be unfolded or explained". this adjective entered english as 'inexplicable', and the adverbial suffix -ly was subsequently appended, following the standard english pattern for forming adverbs from adjectives ending in -able. thus, the modern adverb 'inexplicably' carries the logical meaning of "in a manner that cannot be unfolded or made clear".

Analysis

Structure: in (not) + explic (explain) + ably (in a manner of) in: latin origin, a prefix meaning "not". explic: from latin explicare ("to unfold, explain"), a root meaning "to explain". ably: from latin -abilis (able to be) + -iter (adverb-forming suffix), combined in english as -ably, meaning "in a manner that can be".

Examples

the plane inexplicably vanished from the radar.

he was inexplicably drawn to the old, abandoned house.

the experiment failed inexplicably, despite all precautions.

inexplicably – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology