Meaning & Definition of word "Impenetrable"

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.