The word impasse comes from the Latin Root ‘pass-,pace-’. This basically means a pass or a way. Add the ‘im’ to it, we get to our word meaning ‘no pass or way ahead’.
Impasse is synonymous with deadlock or stalemate, indicating a state where no further progress is possible.
Usage examples:
1. Lovers our often left in a state of impasse when there is a disagreement between them.
2. Squabbling politicians can easily create impasses that are impossible to resolve.
3. The Israel-Palestine impasse seems to be on forever and seems that it will stay this way.
The dictionary definitions for IMPASSE are as follows:
1. A road or passage having no exit; a cul-de-sac. (noun)
2. A situation that is so difficult that no progress can be made; a deadlock or a stalemate. (noun)
Also read: Deadlock
Word in Context
The context provided in the picture is the perfect one to learn the word: “Anna Hazare and the Government are locked in a state of impasse over the Jan Lokpal Bill, with no resolution in sight.”
The following is an extract from The New York Times that explains the usage of the word even further:
Read further on:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/25/business/energy-environment/25coal.html?hp
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