What does utterable mean?
Utterable is an adjective meaning capable of being spoken, expressed, or put into words. It applies to language, sounds, thoughts, objections, and explanations that can be formulated, though it is more often encountered in formal or literary writing than in casual conversation. The word emphasizes the possibility of expression rather than the quality or effectiveness of what is said. In “an utterable complaint,” for example, the complaint can be voiced in words; it does not necessarily mean that it is persuasive, true, or politely phrased. A thing may also be difficult or impossible to utter, but when something is described as utterable, it remains within the bounds of speech. Utterable forms a useful contrast with unutterable, an adjective for experiences or feelings too profound or confused for words. Knowing the distinction helps in discussion of language, rhetoric, emotion, and creative writing, where what can be said—and what cannot—is an important concern.
adjectiveCapable of being spoken, expressed, or put into words. It may also describe a thought, objection, or explanation that can be formulated as a statement.
- Capable of being spoken, expressed, or put into words.
"The philosopher searched for an utterable account of consciousness."
"The philosopher searched for an utterable account of consciousness."
"She tried to keep her anger from becoming an utterable threat."
Utterable is the linguistic opposite of unutterable: it means a thought can actually cross the line from the mind into speech.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does utterable come from?
Utterable was formed in English by adding the productive suffix -able to the older verb utter, meaning “to express or say.” The verb entered Middle English from Old French, whose source was ultimately Latin, and the English family later produced utterance and utterer from the same base. The suffix -able gives the adjective the sense “capable of being” something, so utterable literally means “able to be uttered.”
Related word forms
How utterable is actually used
Formal and literary rather than everyday. It is especially used with thoughts, objections, explanations, sounds, and complaints that can be expressed in words.
Easily confused with utterable
Utter is the verb meaning “to say or express,” whereas utterable is an adjective meaning “capable of being said or expressed.”