interminable
UK[ɪnˈtɜːmɪnəbl̩]US[ɪnˈtɜːrmɪnəbl̩]
adj
Seeming to last forever; having no end or limit.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
termin
able
in
not
termin
boundary, end
able
capable of
Etymology
The word 'interminable' is built directly from Latin components. The core is the Latin noun terminus, meaning a boundary stone or limit, which itself may derive from the Proto-Indo-European root terə-, meaning "to cross over, pass through, overcome". The negative prefix in- (meaning "not") was attached to form the Late Latin adjective interminabilis, literally meaning "not limitable" or "having no boundary". The suffix -abilis (English -able) was added to indicate capability or tendency. Thus, the literal sense "not capable of being bounded" evolved into the modern abstract meaning of something endless, ceaseless, or tediously long.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + termin (boundary, end) + able (capable of)
- in: Latin prefix meaning "not".
- termin: Latin root from terminus, meaning "boundary, limit, end".
- able: Latin-derived suffix via Old French, forming adjectives meaning "capable of, subject to, or worthy of".
Examples
The journey through the desert seemed interminable.
He launched into an interminable monologue about tax policy.
After the interminable winter, the first signs of spring were a relief.