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REFERENCE

incomprehensible

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪŋˌkɑmpɹəˈhɛnsɪbəɫ// UK //ɪnkˌɒmpɹɪhˈɛnsəbəl// in·com·pre·hen·si·ble Literary

adj. impossible or very difficult to understand. You use this when someone's speech, writing, or actions make no sense to you.

adj. impossible to understand or grasp mentally. Often used to describe complex language, abstract concepts, or irrational behavior.


SIMPLE

His handwriting is completely incomprehensible.

CONTEXTUAL

The legal document was written in such dense jargon that it was incomprehensible to the average reader.

COMPLEX

To the uninitiated observer, the intricate rituals of the remote tribe appeared entirely incomprehensible, yet they were governed by a strict internal logic passed down through generations.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle French incomprehensible, from Latin incomprehensibilis. Equivalent to in- + comprehensible.

Usage

Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'; frequently modified by adverbs of degree like 'totally' or 'utterly'.

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