What does unknowably mean?
Unknowably is an adverb meaning in a way or to an extent that cannot be known or determined. It is most often used before qualities whose magnitude or complexity defies human understanding, as in “unknowably vast” or “unknowably complex.” Unlike the related adjective unknowable, which names something unknowable, unknowably describes the manner or degree of that quality. The word is markedly less common than unknowable and can sound literary, emphatic, or deliberately abstract. In ordinary speech, alternatives such as inconceivably, immeasurably, or beyond comprehension may feel more natural, depending on the intended nuance. Unknowably is especially useful when a speaker wants to stress not merely that information is missing, but that the relevant reality may exceed the limits of human knowledge. It appears in formal prose and philosophical discussion, where its rhythm gives abstract ideas a sense of vastness or mystery. The form belongs to English and combines un-, knowable, and the adverbial suffix -ly.
adverbIn a way or to an extent that cannot be known or determined by human understanding.
- In a manner or to a degree that exceeds human knowledge or determination.
"The final outcome depended on unknowably complex interactions among climate, geology, and human activity."
"The size of the universe is unknowably vast."
"The policy was shaped by unknowably complex economic and political forces."
Sometimes “unknown” is not strong enough: unknowably suggests that the limits may be deeper than the human mind.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of unknowably
Unknowably is an English adverb formed by adding the suffix -ly to unknowable. Unknowable combines the negative prefix un- with knowable, which ultimately derives from Old English cnāwan, “to know,” from the deeper Proto-Indo-European root *ǵneh₃-. The same root underlies cognates such as English cognition and recognize, as well as German kennen and Dutch kennen, all associated with knowing.
How unknowably is actually used
Rare and literary; it is generally more idiomatic when modifying an adjective than when standing alone. The word is used in both British and American English.
Easily confused with unknowably
Unknowable is an adjective meaning “not able to be known,” whereas unknowably is an adverb describing a manner or degree.