Definition

Something that is hard to understand or figure out; it seems mysterious or unclear.

Example

Her inscrutable expression made it difficult to know what she was thinking.

Conversation

Have you ever tried to understand his thoughts?

Not really, they're pretty inscrutable to me.

Yeah, it's like he has a whole different way of thinking.

Exactly! It makes him really interesting, though.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inscrutable is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "scrutari" (meaning to search or examine). The word describes something that cannot be searched or examined, hence, it is mysterious or difficult to understand.

Memory Tip

Think of something that cannot be 'searched' ('scrutari') — when you add 'not' ('in-'), it helps you remember that 'inscrutable' means something that is not easily understood.

Visually Confused Words