Comprehensibility: meaning, definitions and examples

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comprehensibility

[ˌkɒmprɪˌhɛnsəˈbɪlɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in communication

The quality of being easily understood or grasped. Comprehensibility is important in ensuring effective communication.

Synonyms

clarity, intelligibility, understandability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
comprehensibility	Used in formal or technical contexts to describe how easily something can be understood, often measuring complexity in written documents or spoken language. The comprehensibility of the legal document was low due to its technical jargon The scientist aimed to improve the comprehensibility of her research paper
clarity	Often used when discussing the clearness of communication, opinions, or physical visibility. Common in both everyday language and professional settings. Her speech was noted for its clarity and straightforwardness The clarity of the water made it perfect for diving
understandability	Commonly used in everyday language to talk about how easy it is to grasp the meaning or concept of something, often with a focus on user-friendliness. The teacher's explanation improved the understandability of the math problem The manual's high level of understandability made setting up the device straightforward
intelligibility	Typically applied to describe how well speech or writing can be understood, often used in technical or academic settings, particularly regarding spoken language quality. The intelligibility of the recorded message was affected by background noise His accent did not reduce the intelligibility of his English

Examples of usage

It is essential for the manual to be written with comprehensibility in mind.
The comprehensibility of the instructions will determine the success of the project.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in psychology

The degree to which someone is able to understand and make sense of their experiences. Comprehensibility is a key component of mental well-being.

Synonyms

coherence, intelligibility, sense-making.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
comprehensibility	Used when discussing how easy it is to understand a text or spoken language. The teacher focused on the comprehensibility of the lecture. This manual's comprehensibility makes it easy for anyone to use.
coherence	Used when referring to how well parts of a text or speech logically fit together. The coherence of his argument made it very convincing. To improve coherence, make sure all paragraphs are clearly connected.
intelligibility	Often used in discussions about speech or audio quality, specifically regarding how easily the words or message can be heard and understood. The intelligibility of the announcement was poor due to the noise. Clear pronunciation improves the intelligibility of speech.
sense-making	Used primarily in more abstract or strategic contexts, addressing how well something helps to create a clear understanding or meaning. Her sense-making approach to the issue helped the team see the big picture. The article succeeded in its sense-making of the complex topic.

Examples of usage

Therapists aim to improve the comprehensibility of their clients' thoughts and emotions.
A sense of comprehensibility can lead to a more positive outlook on life.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'comprehensibilis', meaning 'that can be understood'.
It combines 'comprehendere', meaning 'to grasp or seize', with '-ibility', which indicates the quality of being able to do something.
The use of this word dates back to the 15th century, reflecting a growing interest in clarity and understanding in communication.

Education

Comprehensibility is crucial in teaching; materials that are easier to understand help students learn better.
Educators often assess comprehensibility to ensure students of different backgrounds can grasp complex concepts.
Strategies like using visuals and relatable examples increase the comprehensibility of lessons.

Psychology

Research shows that clear communication enhances memory retention and learning.
Cognitive load theory suggests that when information is less comprehensible, it increases mental strain and hinders understanding.
Understanding something well can boost self-confidence and encourage lifelong learning.

Communication

The clarity of messages in media, advertising, and politics is often judged by their comprehensibility.
Public speaking focuses on matching the complexity of language with the audience’s understanding for effective communication.
Writers use comprehensibility to engage readers; dense text can turn readers away.

Technology

In software development, user interfaces are designed with comprehensibility in mind to enhance user experiences.
Artificial intelligence systems aim to provide comprehensible explanations for their decisions to build user trust.
Educational apps often test the comprehensibility of their content through user feedback to improve learning outcomes.

Translations

Translations of the word "comprehensibility" in other languages:

🇵🇹 compreensibilidade

🇮🇳 समझने की क्षमता

🇩🇪 Verständlichkeit

🇮🇩 keterbacaan

🇺🇦 зрозумілість

🇵🇱 zrozumiałość

🇯🇵 理解しやすさ

🇫🇷 compréhensibilité

🇪🇸 comprensibilidad

🇹🇷 anlaşılabilirlik

🇰🇷 이해 가능성

🇸🇦 وضوح

🇨🇿 srozumitelnost

🇸🇰 zrozumiteľnosť

🇨🇳 可理解性

🇸🇮 razumljivost

🇮🇸 skiljanleiki

🇰🇿 түсініктілік

🇬🇪 გაგებადი

🇦🇿 anlaşılırlıq

🇲🇽 comprensibilidad