# acataleptic

CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acataleptic
Updated: 2026-06-22

## Definition

describing something that cannot be known or understood completely. It is often used in philosophy to talk about things that are beyond our knowledge.

For teachers: incapable of being known or understood; specifically, in a philosophical context, referring to the unknowable nature of the divine or the ultimate truth of the universe.

## Examples

- The philosopher argued that the ultimate truth is acataleptic.
- In his treatise, he described the divine as acataleptic, emphasizing that human reason can never fully grasp its essence.
- The Stoics maintained that while we can achieve a clear understanding of the present, the future remains acataleptic, as it is subject to the unpredictable will of the cosmos.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.