Meaning & Definition of word "Impenetrable"
to
Impenetrable
/ɪmˈpɛnɪtrəbl/
adjective:
- 1. Impossible to pass through or enter.
- Example: The fortress's walls were made of impenetrable stone, keeping invaders at bay.
- 2. Unable to be understood or comprehended; obscure.
- Example: His explanation of the complex theory was impenetrable to the audience.
- 3. Dense or thick, often referring to physical substances.
- Example: The impenetrable fog covered the entire city, reducing visibility to near zero.
Etymology
Late Middle English, from Latin 'impenetrabilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'penetrabilis' meaning 'able to be penetrated'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
impenetrable logic:
Logic that is very difficult to understand or follow.
impenetrable barrier:
A barrier that cannot be crossed or penetrated.
impenetrable mystery:
A mystery that is impossible to solve or understand.
Related Words
penetrate:
To succeed in forcing a way into or through (something).
opaque:
Not able to be seen through; not transparent.
inscrutable:
Impossible to understand or interpret.
Slang Meanings of impenetrable
Meaning: So complex that no one can understand it.
Example Sentence: His explanation was so impenetrable that I just nodded and smiled.
Meaning: A person who is very private and difficult to read.
Example Sentence: She's got an impenetrable personality; you can never tell what she's thinking.