What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ineffable
Example
The beauty of the sunset was ineffable. [ineffable: adjective]
Example
The joy she felt at seeing her newborn baby was ineffable. [ineffable: adjective]
unspeakable
Example
The atrocities committed during the war were unspeakable. [unspeakable: adjective]
Example
The grief she felt after losing her child was unspeakable. [unspeakable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unspeakable is more commonly used than ineffable in everyday language. Unspeakable is often used to describe traumatic events or experiences, while ineffable is less common and is used to describe experiences that are beyond human comprehension.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ineffable and unspeakable?
Both ineffable and unspeakable are formal words and are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, unspeakable is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while ineffable is more limited in its usage and is mostly used in formal or literary contexts.
