3

I am looking for a single English word that conveys that idea that something cannot be experienced. Any ideas?

To be specific: at least one of the standard definitions of such a word would have the general meaning of '(something) that cannot be experienced.'

Improve this question
3
  • 1
    if something is inexplicable, it cannot be described clearly in words
    – Brendan Anthony
    Jul 9, 2017 at 1:38
  • 2
    Can you give a couple examples of such things?
    – Mitch
    Jul 12, 2017 at 22:57
  • I would say romance, at least in my case. :'(
    – Khuldraeseth na'Barya
    Jul 14, 2017 at 0:40

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
11

In philosophy, if something is transcendent, it's not realizable in human experience.

Improve this answer
3
  • Please cite a source and give a link. We like to see sources and links here. When you do, ping me and I will upvote.
    – ab2
    Jul 9, 2017 at 2:34
  • 2
    I am providing the hyperlink this time because your answer is very correct! @ab2 please excuse; Jason F will do it themselves next time.
    – English Student
    Jul 9, 2017 at 3:15
  • Please edit your post to conform with the network-wide guidelines of how to reference others’ work which you've copypasta’d in here.
    – tchrist ♦
    Jul 12, 2017 at 1:50
5

Unknowable.

Note the word experience used in this definition by Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

unknowable : not knowable; especially : lying beyond the limits of human experience or understanding

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unknowable

Improve this answer
5

Here are some others depending on your intent. I'm providing all of these because it was not clear from your question if you wanted something philosophical or concrete.

unattainable

not able to be reached or achieved.

impossible

not able to occur, exist, or be done.

impracticable

impossible in practice to do or carry out.

Transcendent was already mentioned (a great option if the intent is to be philosophical or metaphorical)

inimitable

so good or unusual as to be impossible to copy; unique.

incomparable

without an equal in quality or extent; matchless.

nonpareil

having no match or equal; unrivaled.

unparalleled

having no parallel or equal; exceptional.

Source Material for all entries: Oxford Living Dictionaries

Improve this answer
8
  • Please edit your post to conform with the network-wide guidelines of how to reference others’ work which you've copypasta’d in here.
    – tchrist ♦
    Jul 12, 2017 at 1:50
  • @Mari-LouA Thx. Having a cow right now Mari, and a little bit of a fit :/ Sorry, no offense to you. You've been great. I'm just really considering leaving this site entirely. I have gotten mostly negative feedback from virtually all senior members except a handful such as yourself & some others. Frankly it looks like jealously of some sort. Every single answer I post has captious nonsense remarked on. And everything could be answered by a Google search. I mean come on. I learned everything I know reading 2000+ books. But if I Google or paste my knowledge for users bene Im copypasta'ing? Ugh.
    – Kace36
    Jul 13, 2017 at 7:14
  • @Mari-LouA And dang near every question, 85% of them or better, at least, should be closed, by those standards. Even the remaining valid ones can still be found by doing one's own research. Just ticks me off. What's good for the goose isn't good for the gander according to some. Sorry. Little upset.
    – Kace36
    Jul 13, 2017 at 7:16
  • Resist! EL&U needs more users like you. The hardcore members prefer longish answers that are personal. If for example you had chosen just two of those words and explained "why" the OP should consider them, that would have made your answer unique, and special. Users could say "Ahh... Kace36, inimitable as always" You need a sense of humor in this place, but usually the mods are friendly, and helpful, and they do listen.
    – Mari-Lou A
    Jul 13, 2017 at 7:16
  • @Mari-LouA Ok, thanks. Just upset about some messages I received earlier this evening. No biggie I guess. Having trouble deciphering now what I should answer and shouldn't and it's made it difficult is all. Thank you though.
    – Kace36
    Jul 13, 2017 at 7:18

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.