Her smile was inscrutable, leaving everyone wondering what she was truly thinking.
synonyms
enigmaticmyseriousimpenetrable
word origin — Late Middle English, from Latin 'inscrutabilis', meaning 'not to be scrutinized', from 'in-' (not) + 'scrutare' (to examine or search).
inscrutable, ineffable, interminable, intrepid, invidious: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 51. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
inscrutable · adjective/ɪnˈskruːtəbl/
impossible to understand or interpret
Her smile was inscrutable, leaving everyone wondering what she was truly thinking.
Synonyms: enigmatic, myserious, impenetrable
Origin: Late Middle English, from Latin 'inscrutabilis', meaning 'not to be scrutinized', from 'in-' (not) + 'scrutare' (to examine or search).
ineffable · adjective/ɪˈnɛfəbəl/
too great or extreme to be expressed in words
The beauty of the sunset was ineffable, leaving everyone speechless as the sky turned vibrant shades of orange and purple.
Origin: From Middle English 'ineffable', from Latin 'ineffabilis', from 'in-' (not) + 'effabilis' (able to be expressed), from 'effari' (to speak out).
interminable · adjective/ɪnˈtɜrmɪnəbl/
endless or seemingly endless
The meeting felt like an interminable series of debates that never seemed to reach a conclusion.
Synonyms: endless, perpetual, eternal
Origin: from Latin 'interminabilis', meaning 'unending', from 'in-' (not) and 'terminabilis' (able to be terminated)
intrepid · adjective/ɪnˈtrɛpɪd/
fearless and adventurous
The intrepid explorer ventured into the uncharted wilderness, ready to face any challenges that lay ahead.
Synonyms: fearless, unflinching, adventurous
Origin: from Latin 'intrepidus', meaning 'unshaken, fearless'; 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'trepidus' meaning 'alarmed, afraid'
invidious · adjective/ɪnˈvɪd.i.əs/
likely to arouse resentment or anger in others
The manager's invidious decision to promote one employee over others caused a lot of discontent in the team.
Synonyms: envy-inducing, resentful, spiteful
Origin: From Latin 'invidiosus', from 'invidia' meaning 'envy'.