Inscrutable vs Unintelligible: Which One Is The Correct One?

Have you ever come across a word that you thought meant one thing, only to find out it actually means something else entirely? This is often the case with the words inscrutable and unintelligible. While they may seem interchangeable at first glance, they actually have distinct meanings that set them apart.

So, which one is the proper word to use in a given situation? The answer is that it depends on the context. Inscrutable means difficult to understand or interpret, while unintelligible means impossible to understand. In other words, something that is inscrutable may be hard to decipher, but it is still possible to gain some understanding of it with effort. On the other hand, something that is unintelligible is completely beyond comprehension.

Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between these two words in more detail, as well as provide examples of how to use them correctly.

Define Inscrutable

Inscrutable refers to something that is difficult or impossible to understand or interpret. It is often used to describe a person’s expression or behavior that is mysterious or enigmatic. Inscrutable can also refer to a piece of writing or a situation that is ambiguous or unclear, making it hard to comprehend.

Define Unintelligible

Unintelligible refers to something that is impossible to understand or make sense of, often due to a lack of clarity or coherence. It can describe speech or writing that is garbled or incomprehensible, making it difficult or impossible to decipher. Unintelligible can also refer to a concept or idea that is so complex or convoluted that it is impossible to grasp or comprehend.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using words like inscrutable and unintelligible, it’s important to understand their meanings and how to use them properly in a sentence. Here’s a guide to help you use these words in your writing with confidence.

How To Use Inscrutable In A Sentence

Inscrutable is an adjective that describes something that is difficult to understand or interpret. Here are some examples of how to use inscrutable in a sentence:

• The expression on her face was inscrutable, making it impossible to tell what she was thinking.
• The ancient text was inscrutable to the modern scholars who tried to decipher it.
• His motives for the crime were inscrutable, leaving the detectives with little to go on.

As you can see, inscrutable is often used to describe something that is mysterious or difficult to comprehend. It can refer to a person’s expression, a piece of writing, or even a situation that is hard to understand.

How To Use Unintelligible In A Sentence

Unintelligible is another adjective that describes something that is difficult to understand. However, it specifically refers to something that is impossible to comprehend because it is unclear or poorly articulated. Here are some examples of how to use unintelligible in a sentence:

• The speaker’s accent was so thick that his words were unintelligible to the audience.
• The handwriting on the note was so messy that it was almost unintelligible.
• The technical jargon used in the report was unintelligible to anyone who wasn’t an expert in the field.

Unintelligible is often used to describe speech, writing, or other forms of communication that are difficult to understand because of their poor quality or clarity. It can also refer to a situation where the meaning is unclear or ambiguous.

More Examples Of Inscrutable & Unintelligible Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how the words inscrutable and unintelligible can be used in sentences. By examining these examples, readers will gain a better understanding of the nuances of these two words and how they can be used in different contexts.

Examples Of Using Inscrutable In A Sentence

• The inscrutable smile on her face made it difficult to discern her true emotions.
• The meaning of the ancient hieroglyphics was inscrutable to the modern archaeologists.
• His motives for the crime were inscrutable, leaving investigators puzzled.
• The inscrutable expression on his face made it impossible to tell whether he was happy or sad.
• The inscrutable nature of quantum mechanics has baffled scientists for decades.
• Her inscrutable gaze made him feel uneasy.
• The inscrutable workings of the stock market often leave investors scratching their heads.
• His inscrutable behavior made it difficult to trust him.
• The inscrutable language used in the legal document was confusing to most people.
• The inscrutable logic of the computer program made it difficult to debug.

Examples Of Using Unintelligible In A Sentence

• The toddler’s speech was unintelligible to anyone who wasn’t used to hearing her babble.
• His handwriting was so messy that it was almost unintelligible.
• The foreign accent of the tour guide made his commentary unintelligible to some of the tourists.
• The audio recording was so distorted that the speaker’s words were unintelligible.
• The technical jargon used by the engineers was unintelligible to the marketing team.
• The instructions on the package were written in an unintelligible language.
• The professor’s lecture was so full of academic jargon that it was almost unintelligible.
• The garbled transmission made the pilot’s message unintelligible to air traffic control.
• The handwriting on the note was so small and cramped that it was almost unintelligible.
• The muffled sound coming from the other room was unintelligible, but it sounded like someone was in trouble.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words inscrutable and unintelligible, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Inscrutable When You Mean Unintelligible

One of the most common mistakes people make is using inscrutable when they actually mean unintelligible. Inscrutable means difficult to understand or interpret, while unintelligible means impossible to understand. For example, if you say that a person’s handwriting is inscrutable, you are saying that it is difficult to read or interpret. If you say that a person’s speech is unintelligible, you are saying that it is impossible to understand.

Using Unintelligible When You Mean Inscrutable

On the other hand, some people make the mistake of using unintelligible when they actually mean inscrutable. This is especially common when talking about complex ideas or concepts. If you say that a book on quantum physics is unintelligible, you are saying that it is impossible to understand. However, if you say that the book is inscrutable, you are saying that it is difficult to understand or interpret.

Offering No Context

Another mistake people make is using either word without providing any context. Both inscrutable and unintelligible require context to be understood. For example, if you say that a person’s behavior is inscrutable, you need to provide some context as to why it is difficult to understand. Without context, the word is meaningless.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Take the time to understand the meanings of both inscrutable and unintelligible
• Always provide context when using either word
• If you are unsure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words inscrutable and unintelligible, context plays a crucial role in determining which one is more appropriate to use. Both words refer to something that is difficult to understand, but the nuances of their meanings can vary depending on the situation.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are a few examples of different contexts and how the choice between inscrutable and unintelligible might change:

Context	Explanation	Word Choice
Technical Writing	In technical writing, the focus is on conveying complex information in a clear and concise manner. If something is difficult to understand because it is written in a convoluted or confusing way, inscrutable might be the better choice.	Inscrutable
Legal Documents	Legal documents are often filled with jargon and technical language that can be difficult for non-lawyers to understand. In this context, unintelligible might be more appropriate to describe the language used in these documents.	Unintelligible
Art Criticism	When critiquing a piece of art, inscrutable might be used to describe a work that is difficult to interpret or understand. This could be due to the artist’s intention to create ambiguity or to challenge the viewer’s preconceptions.	Inscrutable
Language Learning	When learning a new language, certain words or phrases might be unintelligible to a beginner. In this context, unintelligible would be the appropriate word choice to describe the language barrier.	Unintelligible

As these examples demonstrate, the choice between inscrutable and unintelligible can depend on the context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the nuances of each word and how they apply to the specific situation in order to choose the most appropriate term.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using inscrutable and unintelligible are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are some situations where the rules might not apply:

1. Technical Jargon

In technical fields such as medicine, engineering, or law, it is common to use specialized terminology that might be unfamiliar to the general public. In these cases, using inscrutable or unintelligible language might be necessary to accurately convey complex concepts.

For example, a medical journal might use inscrutable terms such as “myocardial infarction” or “pulmonary embolism” to describe specific conditions. While these terms might be unintelligible to someone without medical training, they are necessary for precise communication within the field.

2. Creative Writing

In creative writing, authors often use language in unconventional ways to create a particular effect or mood. This can include using inscrutable or unintelligible language to convey a sense of mystery or ambiguity.

For example, a poet might use inscrutable metaphors or imagery to create a dreamlike or surreal atmosphere in their work. While the language might be unintelligible on a literal level, it can still be effective in conveying a particular emotional or aesthetic experience.

3. Cultural Context

Language is deeply embedded in cultural contexts, and what might be considered inscrutable or unintelligible in one culture might be perfectly clear in another. When communicating across cultures, it’s important to be aware of these differences and adjust your language accordingly.

For example, idiomatic expressions such as “raining cats and dogs” might be unintelligible to someone who is not familiar with English idioms. Similarly, using inscrutable references to cultural figures or events might make communication difficult for those who are not part of that culture.

4. Personal Communication

In personal communication, the rules for using inscrutable and unintelligible language might be more flexible. Depending on the context and the relationship between the speakers, using unconventional or obscure language might be acceptable or even desirable.

For example, close friends might use inscrutable inside jokes or slang that would be unintelligible to outsiders. Similarly, using inscrutable language in a playful or teasing way might be a way to build rapport or show affection.

Exceptions to the Rules

Context	Explanation	Example
Technical Jargon	Specialized terminology might be necessary for precise communication within a field	“Myocardial infarction” in a medical journal
Creative Writing	Unconventional language might be used for effect or mood	Inscrutable metaphors in a poem
Cultural Context	Language is embedded in cultural contexts, and what might be unintelligible in one culture might be clear in another	English idioms such as “raining cats and dogs”
Personal Communication	Depending on the context and relationship, using unconventional language might be acceptable or desirable	Inscrutable inside jokes between friends

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a clear understanding of the differences between inscrutable and unintelligible, it’s time to practice using them in sentences. Here are some exercises to help improve your understanding and usage of these words:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in the following sentences:

1. The professor’s handwriting was so __________ that none of the students could read it.
2. The instructions for the new software were completely __________ to me.
3. The politician’s speech was so __________ that no one could understand what he was trying to say.
4. The artist’s abstract painting was __________, leaving viewers unsure of its meaning.

Answer Key:

1. inscrutable
2. unintelligible
3. unintelligible
4. inscrutable

Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Word

Read the following sentences and identify whether inscrutable or unintelligible is the correct word to use:

1. The ancient text was so _________ that scholars have been studying it for decades without fully understanding it.
2. The toddler’s speech was so __________ that only his parents could understand him.
3. The code for the new software was __________ to everyone except the programmers who wrote it.
4. The detective’s investigation was hindered by the suspect’s __________ alibi.

Answer Key:

1. inscrutable
2. unintelligible
3. unintelligible
4. inscrutable

Practice these exercises to improve your understanding and usage of inscrutable and unintelligible. With enough practice, you’ll be able to use these words with confidence and precision.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between inscrutable and unintelligible, it is clear that both words refer to a lack of understanding or comprehension. However, inscrutable implies a sense of mystery or impenetrability, while unintelligible suggests a lack of clarity or coherence.

It is important to use these words correctly in order to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion. As with any aspect of language use, it is beneficial to continue learning and expanding our knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.

Key Takeaways:

• Inscrutable and unintelligible are both adjectives that describe a lack of understanding or comprehension.
• Inscrutable implies a sense of mystery or impenetrability, while unintelligible suggests a lack of clarity or coherence.
• Using these words correctly is important for clear communication.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, we can improve our ability to express ourselves effectively and avoid misunderstandings.