Legible: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for describing handwriting or text that is written so that it can be easily read. Often used in contexts of paperwork, forms, and notes.

• The doctor's handwriting is very legible today.
• Please make sure your answers are legible on the exam paper.

Typically refers to text that is easy and enjoyable to read. Often used for books, articles, and general reading materials.

• The novel is very readable and engaging.
• He writes in a very readable style.

Used for describing something that can be understood, often used in academic, technical, or complex material. Makes things seem accessible.

• The professor made the complex theory comprehensible.
• The manual is written in a comprehensible way.

Refers to something being easy to understand or see, and is often used to describe not just text, but speech, images, instructions, and general communication.

• Her instructions were very clear.
• The photograph is clear and sharp.

Used to describe text or code that can be understood or figured out, often implying that it was difficult to read initially. There could be a slight negative connotation, implying difficulty.

• The ancient script was finally decipherable after years of research.
• Despite the bad handwriting, the message was decipherable.

This word is typically used to describe handwriting or text that is easy to read.

• The student's handwriting was so legible that the teacher had no trouble reading it.
• The sign needs to be legible from a distance.

This word pertains to something that can be seen, often in terms of being within sight or not hidden.

• The mountain was visible from miles away.
• The stain on his shirt was clearly visible.

This term is versatile and used to describe anything that is easily understood, seen, or heard. It can refer to instructions, speech, images, etc.

• Her explanation was very clear and easy to follow.
• The water in the lake was so clear you could see the fish swimming.

Use this word when something is noticeably different from something else, often referring to sounds, shapes, features, or identities.

• He spoke with a distinct accent.
• The two species have distinct differences in their coloring.

This word is best for describing something that is easily identified or known because it is familiar or stands out.

• The famous actor has a very recognizable face.
• The melody was immediately recognizable.