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Impenetrable - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Impenetrable describes something that cannot be entered, passed through, or understood. It is often used for physical barriers like walls or dense forests, or abstract concepts like difficult texts.

impenetrable

/ɪmˈpɛnɪtrəbəl/ /ɪmˈpɛnɪtrəbl̩/

Definition:

Impossible to pass through or enter; unable to be understood or solved.

Synonyms:

impervious, unyielding, inscrutable, dense

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

penetrable, permeable, understandable

Common Collocations:

impenetrable forest, impenetrable barrier, impenetrable mystery, impenetrable defense

Derivatives:

impenetrability, impenetrably

Usage Tips:

Use "impenetrable" for physical barriers or abstract concepts like mysteries that resist understanding or entry.

Common Phrases:

impenetrable fortress, impenetrable darkness, impenetrable silence

Etymology:

From Latin *impenetrabilis*, combining *in-* (not) + *penetrabilis* (able to be pierced).

Examples:

  • 1. The fortress was surrounded by an impenetrable wall.
  • 2. Her expression remained impenetrable during the interrogation.
  • 3. The jungle was so thick it seemed almost impenetrable.
  • 4. The book’s complex theories were impenetrable to most readers.

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