is the word 'ineffable' contradictory to itself because it describes something apparently indescribable?

Answer 1

The best one can do is approximate.

Answer 2

I applaud your attempt at cleverness, but you have used the "definition" of ineffable to hide the meaning.
Ineffable is defined as " too great to be described" (Oxford
American Dictionary, Heald Colleges Edition). What it means is "too great to be adequately described in terms which do it justice". It has the sense of "There are no words which can convey to you the true immensity of the subject".
Ineffable beauty is beauty which is so great that, no matter how hard I try, I will never be able to adequately describe that beauty to you in terms which will allow you to understand just how great it is. Describing it as ineffable is the best I can do.
Great language, English. It allows us to describe seemingly enigmatic concepts in relatively concrete terms.

Answer 3

No, because it is NOT describing the "apparently indescribable" - it is describing something AS "apparently indescribable"!