Intelligible Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
ðŸ§
intelligible
[ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒɪbəl ]
Definitions
in communication
Able to be understood or comprehended easily.
Synonyms
clear, coherent, comprehensible, intuitive, understandable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| intelligible |
Suitable for indicating that something can be understood, especially in speech or text.
|
| understandable |
Fits well when expressing that something can be grasped, often used for everyday situations or emotions.
|
| comprehensible |
Useful when indicating that something can be understood, often implying a complex subject made simple.
|
| clear |
Appropriate in any situation where something is easy to see, hear, or understand.
|
| coherent |
Best used when describing something logically ordered or makes sense. Often used in formal or academic contexts.
|
| intuitive |
Ideal for describing something easily understood without need for detailed instruction, often used in the context of design or user experience.
|
Examples of usage
- It is important for the instructions to be intelligible to everyone.
- His speech was clear and intelligible, even to those who were not experts in the field.
- She simplified the complex concept to make it more intelligible to the audience.
- The report was written in a way that was intelligible to the general public.
- The teacher explained the difficult topic in a very intelligible manner.
in law
Legally valid and able to be understood by the average person.
Synonyms
clear, comprehensible, explicit, legible, unambiguous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| intelligible |
Use when you want to describe something that is easy to understand, especially speech or writing.
|
| legible |
Often used to describe handwriting or text that is easy to read.
|
| comprehensible |
Ideal when talking about the ability to understand something complex or detailed.
|
| clear |
Best suited for general use to describe something that is easy to see, hear, or understand.
|
| explicit |
Best used when you want to describe something stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.
|
| unambiguous |
Use when you want to emphasize that something is clear and cannot be interpreted in more than one way.
|
Examples of usage
- The contract was written in clear and intelligible language.
- The terms and conditions should be intelligible to consumers to avoid any confusion.
- The judge's decision was based on intelligible evidence and reasoning.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'intelligible'
The word 'intelligible' originated from the Latin word 'intelligibilis', which means 'understandable'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. Over time, 'intelligible' has evolved to represent not just the ability to be understood, but also to convey legal validity and clarity. The term has become essential in various fields such as communication, law, and education.
See also: intellect, intellection, intellectual, intellectually, intellectuals.