Definitions
- Referring to something that cannot be known or understood by humans. - Describing a situation or concept that is beyond human comprehension or knowledge. - Talking about a mystery or enigma that is impossible to solve or decipher.
- Describing something that is difficult or impossible to understand or interpret. - Referring to a person's expression or behavior that is hard to read or decipher. - Talking about a situation or event that is mysterious or puzzling.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is difficult or impossible to understand.
- 2Both words can refer to a situation or concept that is mysterious or puzzling.
- 3Both words convey a sense of complexity or depth that is beyond immediate comprehension.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Unknowable refers to something that is beyond human knowledge or understanding, while inscrutable can refer to anything that is difficult to understand or interpret.
- 2Nature: Unknowable implies an inherent quality of being impossible to know or understand, while inscrutable suggests a lack of clarity or transparency that makes interpretation difficult.
- 3Usage: Unknowable is more commonly used in philosophical or abstract contexts, while inscrutable is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
- 4Connotation: Unknowable has a more neutral connotation, while inscrutable can have a negative connotation, implying a sense of suspicion or distrust.
Remember this!
Unknowable and inscrutable are both words that describe something that is difficult or impossible to understand. However, unknowable refers specifically to something that is beyond human knowledge or comprehension, while inscrutable can refer to anything that is hard to interpret or understand. Unknowable is more commonly used in philosophical or abstract contexts, while inscrutable is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
