Acatalepsia

/ˌækətəˈlɛpsiə/ noun

Definition

The state of being incomprehensible; the philosophical idea that some things cannot be fully understood or known with certainty.

Etymology

From Greek akataleptos (incomprehensible, from a- not + kataleptos seized/grasped). A philosophical term from ancient Greek skepticism.

Kelly Says

Ancient Greek skeptics used acatalepsia to argue that humans can never be 100% certain about anything—a revolutionary idea that questioned whether knowledge itself was even possible!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.