inaudibly

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ɪˈnɔːdəbli/

KK: /ɪˈnɔːdəbli/

adverb

Definition

In a way that cannot be heard or is too quiet to be heard.

Example

She spoke inaudibly during the meeting, so no one could understand her.

Conversation

Did you hear what she said during the meeting?

No, she spoke so inaudibly that I couldn't catch anything.

I thought I was the only one!

It was really frustrating; I wish she would speak up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

quietly

silently

muffled

Antonyms

loudly

audibly

noisily

Root Explanation

Inaudibly → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "audibilis" (from Latin, meaning able to be heard) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner). The word "inaudibly" means in a manner that cannot be heard.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being able to be 'heard' ('audibilis') — that's why inaudibly means something that cannot be heard.

Visually Confused Words

unaudibly