indelible

/ɪnˈdeləbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈdeləbl/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈde-lə-bəl/ (ame, mw)

indelible — adjective

  • indeliblepositive
  • more indeliblecomparative
  • most indeliblesuperlative

1. describes a physical mark or substance that stays on a surface permanently, resi

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a physical mark or substance that stays on a surface permanently, resisting any attempt to clean or rub it off.

例句

Asher used an indelible marker to label his camping gear before the trip.

attributive: indelible + marker

The red wine left an indelible stain on the white tablecloth.

同義詞
  • permanent

    broader in meaning; can refer to any lasting state, not limited to physical marks

  • ineradicable

    more formal; suggests something deeply rooted and extremely hard to remove

反義詞
  • erasable

    easy to rub off or delete from a surface

  • washable

    can be cleaned away with water or detergent

文法句型

indelible + noun

be + indelible

leave + an + indelible + mark/stain

用法筆記

Frequently used before a noun (attributive), but also works after linking verbs like 'be' or 'remain' in predicative position.

常見錯誤

❌The marker is non-washable.
✅The marker uses indelible ink.
💡'indelible' is the standard adjective for permanent ink that cannot be removed.

2. describes a memory, impression, or effect that is so strong it stays in your min

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a memory, impression, or effect that is so strong it stays in your mind permanently and cannot be forgotten.

例句

The trip to the Great Wall left an indelible impression on young Vivek.

collocation: leave an indelible impression

The sunrise from the mountain peak gave Sofia and her family an indelible memory.

同義詞
  • unforgettable

    more frequent in everyday speech; focuses on the act of remembering

  • permanent

    broader; refers to any lasting change, not only memories

  • lasting

    less intense; simply continues for a long time

  • enduring

    suggests something remains despite challenges over time

反義詞

文法句型

indelible + impression/memory/mark

leave + an + indelible + impression/memory

make + an + indelible + impression

用法筆記

Commonly combines with 'impression', 'memory', 'mark', or 'effect'. The person affected is typically introduced as the object of 'on' (e.g. 'left an indelible impression on her').

常見錯誤

❌The story is indelible to me.
✅The story left an indelible impression on me.
💡'indelible' describes the impression or memory itself, not the person who experiences it.