inscrutable
Meaning: Impossible to understand or interpret; giving no indication of what one is thinking or feeling.
Inscrutable most commonly describes faces, expressions, and personalities that resist interpretation — the inscrutable person reveals nothing of their inner thoughts. It also applies to mysteries, motives, and processes that defy analysis. The word has acquired sensitivity in some contexts due to its historical use as a racial stereotype. Common collocations include 'inscrutable expression,' 'inscrutable smile,' 'inscrutable motives,' and 'inscrutable silence.'
Examples
- The negotiator maintained an inscrutable expression throughout the meeting, giving nothing away about her position. 谈判者在整个会议期间保持着令人无法揣摩的表情,丝毫不透露她的立场。La negociadora mantuvo una expresión inscrutable durante toda la reunión, sin revelar nada sobre su posición.交渉担当者は会議の間ずっと読み取れない表情を保ち、自分の立場について何も明かさなかった。그 협상가는 회의 내내 속내를 알 수 없는 표정을 유지하며 자신의 입장에 대해 아무것도 드러내지 않았다.
- The workings of the algorithm remained inscrutable even to the engineers who had helped to design it. 即便对参与设计的工程师来说,该算法的运作方式依然令人费解。El funcionamiento del algoritmo resultaba inscrutable incluso para los ingenieros que habían participado en su diseño.そのアルゴリズムの仕組みは、設計に携わったエンジニアにとってさえ不可解なままだった。그 알고리즘의 작동 방식은 설계에 참여한 엔지니어들에게조차 불가해한 채로 남아 있었다.
- He regarded the assembled journalists with an inscrutable half-smile that could have signified amusement, contempt, or both. 他以一种令人捉摸不透的半笑注视着在场的记者们,那笑容可能意味着消遣、蔑视,或两者兼有。Observó a los periodistas congregados con una media sonrisa inscrutable que podía significar diversión, desprecio o ambas cosas.彼は集まったジャーナリストたちを不可解な薄笑いで眺めたが、その笑みは愉快さか、軽蔑か、あるいはその両方を意味していたかもしれない。그는 모인 기자들을 불가해한 미소로 바라보았는데, 그 미소는 즐거움을 뜻하는 것인지, 경멸을 뜻하는 것인지, 혹은 둘 다인지 알 수 없었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: literary, journalism, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Late Latin 'inscrutabilis,' from 'in-' (not) and 'scrutari' (to search or examine), from 'scruta' (rubbish, trash — originally meaning to sort through refuse). Entered English in the 15th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from General Advanced
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free