inexplicably
gb/ˌɪnɪksplˈɪkəbli/ us/ˌɪnɪksplˈɪkəbli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
C1
property
1
in a way that can’t be explained
in a way that no one can explain
Usage pattern:
inexplicably + [verb/adjective]
Common mistake:
Often confused with "unbelievably" (meaning very surprising) rather than "without a clear reason."
Synonyms
unaccountably (More formal; emphasizes lack of an account or reason.)
|
mysteriously (Suggests a mystery or hidden cause.)
|
for some reason (More conversational and less formal.)
Antonyms
understandably (With a clear, reasonable explanation.)
|
predictably (As expected given the situation.)
Collocations
inexplicably disappeared
|inexplicably absent
|inexplicably late
|inexplicably silent
|inexplicably popular
|inexplicably difficult
|inexplicably calm
|inexplicably angry
|inexplicably failed
|inexplicably survived
Themes
communication
|emotions
|daily_life
Examples
- The lights went out inexplicably just as the movie started.
- She was inexplicably nervous, even though the interview was informal.
- His name had inexplicably vanished from the guest list.
Learner examples
- He was inexplicably late today.
- The phone stopped working inexplicably.
Grammar
Dictionary form
inexplicably
IPA
GB/ˌɪnɪksplˈɪkəbli/
US/ˌɪnɪksplˈɪkəbli/
Syllables & stress
in - ex - plic - ably (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (plic)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: inexplicably
- Plural: inexplicablies
Word family
Forms
inexplicablies
noun
Core family
explain
verb A2
explanation
noun A2
Related words
explainable
adjective
explanatory
adjective B2
Negative and opposite forms
inexplicable
adjective C1
Advanced or less common
explicable
adjective
explicably
adverb
Expressions
inexplicably enough
1/ˌɪnɪksplˈɪkəbli ɪnˈʌf/
fixed phrase
strangely, for no clear reason
used to say something is strange and hard to explain
Examples
- Inexplicably enough, the cheapest option turned out to be the best.
- Inexplicably enough, nobody remembered locking the door.
- Inexplicably enough, he never received the email.
inexplicably so
1/ˌɪnɪksplˈɪkəbli sˈoʊ/
fixed phrase
in a strangely unexplained way
used to say something is true for no clear reason
Examples
- The restaurant is always crowded, inexplicably so on weeknights.
- Her answer was confident, almost inexplicably so.
- The painting looks familiar, inexplicably so.