inscrutable
/ˌɪnˈskɹuːtəbl/
Group 16Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Impossible to understand or interpret GRE
Example in Context
The diplomat's inscrutable expression gave nothing away during the tense negotiations, leaving both allies and adversaries to guess at her strategy.
Synonyms
unreadableenigmaticmysterious
Etymology
Not able to be searched or understood, suggesting mystery.
- in- (Latin) — not
- scrutari (Latin) — to search
Memory Aid
🔍Sounds like “in screw table”
When I tried to read my friend's IN SCREW TABLE handwriting, I felt utterly INSCRUTABLE!
Visual Association
🕵️♂️A detective staring at a complex, unbreakable code, scratching his head in confusion.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “inscrutable” mean on the GRE?
inscrutable (adjective) means “Impossible to understand or interpret”. The diplomat's inscrutable expression gave nothing away during the tense negotiations, leaving both allies and adversaries to guess at her strategy.
How to remember “inscrutable” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “inscrutable” sounds like “in screw table”. When I tried to read my friend's IN SCREW TABLE handwriting, I felt utterly INSCRUTABLE!
What are synonyms for “inscrutable”?
Common synonyms: unreadable, enigmatic, mysterious.