The word "impensable" is used in the Spanish language to describe something that cannot be thought of or conceived. It implies that an idea or situation is so extreme or unimaginable that it goes beyond the limits of normal consideration. It is a formal term but can be used both in spoken and written contexts. It is frequently used in discussions about philosophy, morality, or hypothetical scenarios.
The idea that the sun won't rise tomorrow is unthinkable.
Para ella, abandonar su carrera era algo impensable.
For her, giving up her career was something inconceivable.
En un mundo ideal, la guerra sería impensable.
While "impensable" is not typically found in many idiomatic expressions, it can be connected to several sayings or phrases where it emphasizes the extremity of a situation.
"It's inconceivable that someone wouldn't love you."
"Perderlo todo es una situación impensable."
"Losing everything is an unthinkable situation."
"El sufrimiento humano es algo impensable en el siglo XXI."
"Human suffering is something unthinkable in the 21st century."
"La idea de traición es impensable entre buenos amigos."
The term "impensable" is derived from Latin roots, where "in-" is a prefix meaning "not," and "pensare" means "to weigh" or "to think." The combination thus refers to something that cannot be weighed in thought or is beyond consideration.
Synonyms: - Inconcebible - Inimaginable - Imposible (though this is more extreme)
Antonyms: - Pensable (thinkable) - Concebible (conceivable) - Posible (possible)