indistinguishable

/ɪndɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃəbəl/
adjectiveIntermediate
What It Really Means
Not able to be distinguished or differentiated; identical in appearance or nature.
Literal Meaning
Not able to be distinguished or differentiated; identical in appearance or nature.
Literal Breakdown
in-not+distinguishableable to be distinguished
Mental Image
The mental picture of two or more things being so similar that they cannot be told apart.
When to Use
A scientist might describe two chemical compounds as indistinguishable under a microscope.
Cultural Note
The word is often used in scientific and technical contexts to describe things that are nearly identical or cannot be told apart.
formal

Not able to be distinguished or differentiated; identical in appearance or nature.

The twins were so alike that they were indistinguishable to most people.

The twins were so alike that they were indistinguishable to most people.

Under the dim light, the colors of the fabrics were indistinguishable.

Under the dim light, the colors of the fabrics were indistinguishable.

💡

Often used to describe things that are nearly identical or cannot be told apart.

Collocations

indistinguishable fromNot able to be told apart from something else.indistinguishable toNot able to be distinguished by someone or something.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

indistinguishable fromphrase
Not able to be told apart from something else.
indistinguishable tophrase
Not able to be distinguished by someone or something.

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use 'indistinguishable' when describing things that are so similar they cannot be told apart. It is often used in formal or technical contexts.

Gold Rule

Grammar Rule

'Indistinguishable' is an adjective and is typically followed by 'from' or 'to' to indicate what it is being compared to.

📖Word Origin

From the prefix 'in-' (not) + 'distinguishable' (able to be distinguished). The word entered English in the 17th century.

📝Usage Notes

This word is often used in formal or technical contexts to describe things that are nearly identical or cannot be told apart. It is commonly used in scientific, legal, and technical writing.

Word Breakdown

in-
not
prefix
+
distinguishable
able to be distinguished
root
English Dictionary