What does imaginably mean?
Imaginably is an adverb meaning to a degree that is beyond ordinary imagination, especially when describing something extremely difficult, complex, precise, or unusual. Expressions such as "imaginably difficult" and "imaginably complex" use it to emphasize that the scale or difficulty of something is hard for the mind to picture. In more formal or literary usage, it can also mean conceivably or possibly: a statement may be described as imaginably true, meaning that it could be true even if it is doubtful. The word is uncommon in casual conversation, where intensifiers such as incredibly are more typical. Its connection with imagine gives it a slightly elevated tone and makes it particularly effective when describing the extraordinary scale or complexity of a task, achievement, or situation.
adverbIn a way that is difficult or impossible to imagine; beyond ordinary conception. It is also used more generally to mean conceivably or in a imaginable manner, especially in formal or literary contexts.
- To an extent or degree that exceeds ordinary imagination, especially in phrases such as "imaginably difficult" or "imaginably complex".
- In a manner that can be imagined; conceivably or possibly, chiefly in formal or literary use.
"The project required an imaginably complex network of calculations."
"The team solved an imaginably difficult scheduling problem."
"It is imaginably possible that a later version of the software will restore the lost data."
Imaginably is the formal way to say that something is so extreme that the mind struggles to picture it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imaginably come from?
Imaginably comes from imaginable, which in turn derives from imagine. The word imagine entered English through Old French imaginer, ultimately from Latin imaginari, meaning to form an image or picture in the mind. The suffix -able was added to create the adjective imaginable, and the adverbial suffix -ly later produced imaginably.
Related word forms
How imaginably is actually used
Imaginably is chiefly formal and literary rather than everyday. Its most familiar use is as an intensifier before adjectives such as difficult, complex, and precise.
Easily confused with imaginably
Imaginary describes something unreal or created by the mind, whereas imaginably is an adverb meaning extremely difficult to imagine or, more formally, conceivably.