Select the word which means the same as the group of words given. impossible or extremely difficult to understand
incomprehensible
Understanding Words: Impossible to Understand
The question asks us to find a single word that means "impossible or extremely difficult to understand." This type of question tests our vocabulary and ability to match definitions with words.
Analyzing the Phrase: Impossible or Difficult to Understand
The core meaning we are looking for is something that is beyond comprehension, something that is not clear or is too complex to grasp mentally.
Evaluating the Options
Let's look at each option provided and determine if its meaning matches the definition "impossible or extremely difficult to understand".
- incomprehensible: This word is formed from "in-" (a prefix meaning 'not') and "comprehensible". The word "comprehensible" means 'able to be understood'. Therefore, "incomprehensible" means 'not able to be understood' or 'impossible or extremely difficult to understand'. This meaning directly matches the phrase given in the question.
- inaudible: This word is formed from "in-" (not) and "audible". The word "audible" means 'able to be heard'. Therefore, "inaudible" means 'not able to be heard' or 'impossible to hear'. This relates to hearing, not understanding, so it does not match the definition.
- incompatible: This word is formed from "in-" (not) and "compatible". The word "compatible" means 'able to exist or be used together'. Therefore, "incompatible" means 'not able to exist or be used together'. This relates to suitability or co-existence, not understanding, so it does not match the definition.
- inevitable: This word means 'certain to happen; unavoidable'. This relates to certainty of events, not understanding, so it does not match the definition.
Conclusion: Identifying the Correct Word
Comparing the meanings of the options with the given phrase, the word that means "impossible or extremely difficult to understand" is "incomprehensible".
| Word | Meaning | Matches "impossible or extremely difficult to understand"? |
|---|---|---|
| incomprehensible | Impossible or very difficult to understand | Yes |
| inaudible | Impossible to hear | No |
| incompatible | Cannot exist or be used together | No |
| inevitable | Certain to happen; unavoidable | No |
Revision Table: Vocabulary Practice
Here is a table summarizing the key words and their meanings from this question for quick revision.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Comprehensible | Able to be understood; intelligible |
| Incomprehensible | Impossible or extremely difficult to understand |
| Audible | Able to be heard |
| Inaudible | Impossible to hear |
| Compatible | Able to exist or be used together without conflict |
| Incompatible | Unable to exist or be used together |
| Inevitable | Certain to happen; unavoidable |
Additional Information: Understanding Prefixes
The prefix "in-" (or "im-", "il-", "ir-" depending on the root word) is very common in English and often means "not" or "without". Understanding common prefixes can help you figure out the meaning of new words.
- "in-" + "visible" = "invisible" (not visible)
- "in-" + "complete" = "incomplete" (not complete)
- "im-" + "possible" = "impossible" (not possible)
- "ir-" + "regular" = "irregular" (not regular)
- "il-" + "logical" = "illogical" (not logical)
In the case of "incomprehensible", the "in-" negates "comprehensible", leading to its meaning of being difficult or impossible to understand.
Important Questions from One Word Substitution
Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.
A glass container to keep fish
Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.
Something that is strong and lasts a long time without breaking or becoming weaker.
Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.
A place where plants are grown for sale
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence.
Open refusal to obey orders
Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.
A doctor who specializes in heart diseases
