defies explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'defies explanation' is a perfect example of a well-formed and usable sentence in written English.
It is an expression that can be used when someone or something is seen as too complex to explain or understand. For example: "The glycoprotein structure of the virus defies explanation".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

This process of droplet aggregation sometimes happens so quickly that it defies explanation.

MIT Technology Review

Historically, the outbreak of perfect games defies explanation.

The New York Times

A 20-minute, 1,000-point drop that defies explanation.

The New York Times

For most Americans, the game of cricket defies explanation.

The Guardian - Books

True, if you will, but true in a way that defies explanation.

The New Yorker

How these two ended up married to each other defies explanation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But the extra speed was clearly noticeable and defies explanation.

BBC

But Jeter's slump defied explanation.

The New York Times - Sports

But the weapon that killed his granddaughter defied explanation.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was the one thing that defied explanation".

The Guardian

COMBINING seafood and cheese is one of those longstanding taboos that defy explanation.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defies explanation" when you want to emphasize the extraordinary or perplexing nature of a situation, phenomenon, or behavior that cannot be easily rationalized.

Common error

Avoid using "defies explanation" for situations that are merely complex or require detailed analysis. Reserve it for genuinely inexplicable events or phenomena to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defies explanation" functions as a predicate adjective, typically describing a subject that is inherently difficult or impossible to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defies explanation" is a versatile expression used to describe situations or phenomena that are extremely difficult or impossible to understand. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal and informal contexts, although primarily found in news, academic, and scientific sources. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the extraordinary nature of the subject and is not merely used for dramatic effect. Alternatives include "is inexplicable", "is incomprehensible", and "remains a mystery", which can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is inexplicable

Emphasizes the lack of a clear reason or cause.

is incomprehensible

Focuses on the inability to grasp or understand something.

is beyond understanding

Highlights the limits of comprehension.

is unexplainable

Stresses the absence of a viable explanation.

eludes comprehension

Suggests that something actively avoids being understood.

beggars belief

Indicates something is so strange or improbable that it is hard to believe.

remains a mystery

Highlights the unknown or unsolved nature of something.

is baffling

Emphasizes the perplexing and confusing nature of something.

is puzzling

Stresses the quality of something being difficult to solve or understand.

is unfathomable

Suggests something is too deep or complex to be fully grasped.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "defies explanation" in a sentence?

Employ "defies explanation" when describing events or phenomena so perplexing that they seem to resist any logical interpretation. For example, "The sudden market crash "defies explanation" given the otherwise stable economic indicators."

What are some alternatives to using "defies explanation"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, consider using alternatives such as "is inexplicable", "is incomprehensible", or "remains a mystery".

Is it appropriate to use "defies explanation" in formal writing?

Yes, "defies explanation" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing complex or mysterious topics. However, ensure that its use is justified and not merely for dramatic effect.

What's the difference between "defies explanation" and "lacks explanation"?

"Defies explanation" suggests a more active resistance to being explained, implying something is inherently difficult or impossible to understand. "Lacks explanation" simply means that an explanation is currently absent, but not necessarily impossible to find.