inexplicable (adj.)
early 15c., from Latin inexplicabilis "that cannot be unfolded or disentangled, very intricate," figuratively, "inexplicable," from in- "not, opposite of" (see in- (1)) + explicabilis "that may be explained" (see explicable).
As a noun, 1745, "something that cannot be explained;" jocular inexplicables "trousers" is from 1829. Related: Inexplicably; inexplicability.
Entries linking to inexplicable
In Old French and Middle English often en-, but most of these forms have not survived in Modern English, and the few that do (enemy, for instance) no longer are felt as negative. The rule of thumb in English has been to use in- with obviously Latin elements, un- with native or nativized ones.
"capable of being made clear or explained," literally "capable of being unfolded," 1550s, from or modeled on Latin explicabilis "capable of being unraveled, that may be explained," from explicare "unfold; explain," from ex "out" (see ex-) + plicare "to fold" (from PIE root *plek- "to plait"). Middle English had a verb expliken "explain, interpret" (mid-15c.). Related: Explicably.
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Dictionary entries near inexplicable
inexpensive
inexperience
inexperienced
inexpert
inexpiable
inexplicable
inexplicit
inexpressible
inexpugnable
inexpungible
inextinguishable
