impassably

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ɪmˈpæsəblɪ/

KK: /ɪmˈpæsəblɪ/

adverb

Definition

In a way that cannot be passed or crossed; not able to be traveled through.

Example

The road was blocked, and we had to turn back because it was impassably covered in snow.

Conversation

Did you see the weather today?

Yeah, it was so bad that the roads were impassably flooded.

I can't believe we actually drove through that yesterday!

I know, right? We were lucky to make it home safely.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

unpassably

inaccessible

blocked

Antonyms

passably

freely

openly

Root Explanation

Impassably → It is formed from "im-" (meaning not) and "passable" (from Latin "passabilis", meaning able to be passed). The word "impassably" means in a manner that cannot be passed or traversed.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not able to be passed' — 'im-' means not, and 'passable' means able to be passed.

Visually Confused Words