Question

Select the word or group of words that is most similar in meaning to the underlined word.
Divine grace is truly ineffable.
A) That which cannot be rubbed out
B) Incapable of being understood
C) That which is too great to be expressed in words
D) Too powerful to be defeated

Answer 1

Hint: When there is a group of words that mean something, we generally tend to replace the group of words with a single word that would mean exactly the same as the group of words. This approach is called ‘one word substitution’ and it is very helpful in conveying concise messages.

Complete answer:
The word ‘ineffable’ refers to something that is too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words. For e.g. you cannot understand God’s ineffable ways with your simple human mind. Let us check the options and look for a phrase that means the same as ‘ineffable’.

Let us analyze the given options:
Option A) That which cannot be rubbed out – Something which cannot be rubbed is called indelible, ineffaceable, permanent, unfading. For e.g. I got a permanent tattoo made on my shoulder. This phrase is not the correct meaning of the word ‘ineffable’. Therefore, this option is wrong.
Option B) Incapable of being understood – Things that are incapable of being understood are referred to as complicated, complex, intricate, tricky, confusing etc. For e.g. This movie has a very intricate storyline. This phrase is close but is not the precise meaning of the word ‘ineffable’. Thus, this option is incorrect.
Option C) That which is too great to be expressed in words – Things are too great to be expressed in words are said to be inexpressible, indescribable, unimaginable, ineffable etc. This phrase has the same meaning as the word ‘ineffable’. Therefore, this option is correct.
Option D) Too powerful to be defeated – Someone who is too powerful to be defeated is said to be indomitable, invincible, unbeatable, unconquerable etc. This phrase also is not the correct explanation of the word ‘ineffable’. Therefore, it is the wrong option.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (C) i.e, That which is too great to be expressed in words.

Note: Some other commonly used words that can be used to replace phrases are;
i) Infallible - someone who does not make mistakes
ii) Inevitable - something that is certain to happen
iii) Extempore - to speak or do something without preparation