unresolvable
Meaning
impossible to solve, settle, or find a satisfactory answer to
(of a dispute or problem) incapable of being resolved
Structure
Usage
the philosophical dilemma presented is fascinating but ultimately unresolvable.
after hours of debate, they reached an unresolvable impasse.
the conflict arose from a fundamental and unresolvable difference in values.
Etymology
The word "unresolvable" is a Modern English formation built upon the well-established adjective "resolvable." Its core, "resolve," originates from the Latin verb resolvere, meaning "to loosen, untie, or release," which itself is a compound of re- (expressing intensive force) and solvere (to loosen). This literal sense of "loosening a knot" evolved metaphorically into the abstract meaning of "solving a problem." The suffix "-able," indicating capacity, was added to form "resolvable." Finally, the Old English negative prefix "un-" is attached to negate that capacity, creating a term that precisely denotes an issue incapable of being untied or settled.
Analysis
- un: a prefix of english origin (from old english), meaning "not," serving a negating function. - resolve: a verb of latin origin (from latin resolvere), meaning "to loosen, release, settle," serving as the core lexical root. - able: a suffix of english origin (from latin -abilis via old french), meaning "capable of, fit for," serving to form adjectives.