effable

[ ef-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. utterable; expressible.

effable

/ ˈɛfəbəl /

adjective

1. archaic.
   capable of being expressed in words

Word History and Origins

Origin of effable¹

1630–40; < French < Latin effābilis, equivalent to eff ( ārī ) to speak out ( ef- ef- + fārī to speak) + -ābilis -able

Word History and Origins

Origin of effable¹

C17: from Old French, from Late Latin effābilis, from Latin effārī, from ex- out + fārī to speak

Example Sentences

We have architects and no tects; there are things which are ineffable and none which are effable.

From Project Gutenberg