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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.'

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  • 1
    if something is inexplicable, it cannot be described clearly in words – Brendan Anthony Jul 9 '17 at 1:38
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    Can you give a couple examples of such things? – Mitch Jul 12 '17 at 22:57
  • I would say romance, at least in my case. :'( – Khuldraeseth na'Barya Jul 14 '17 at 0:40
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In philosophy, if something is transcendent, it's not realizable in human experience.

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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

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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

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  • 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 '17 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 '17 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 '17 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 '17 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 '17 at 7:18

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