Legible Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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legible

[ˈlɛdʒəb(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

writing

Clear enough to read or understand.

Synonyms

clear, comprehensible, decipherable, readable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
legible	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.
readable	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.
comprehensible	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.
clear	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.
decipherable	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.

Examples of usage

The font on this website is not very legible.
His handwriting is so messy that it's barely legible.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

presentation

Easy to see or read.

Synonyms

clear, distinct, recognizable, visible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
legible	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.
visible	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.
clear	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.
distinct	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.
recognizable	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.

Examples of usage

The slides need to be more legible for the audience at the back.
The text on the poster should be legible from a distance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Typography

Legibility in typography refers to how easily individual letters can be distinguished from one another.
Fonts designed for legibility often have larger x-heights and generous spacing between letters.
Some fonts, like Helvetica and Times New Roman, are commonly recognized for their legible designs.

Education

Teachers emphasize legible handwriting for effective communication and understanding in students.
Many educational tools and practices are focused on improving legibility to aid reading skills.
Assessments often include legibility as a criterion for grading written assignments.

Cognitive Science

Studies show that legible text can significantly improve reading speed and comprehension.
Research indicates that familiar fonts tend to be more legible due to recognition patterns in the brain.
Children learning to read often benefit from materials designed with high legibility.

Technology

In digital platforms, legibility is crucial for user experience, influencing the design of websites and applications.
Accessibility guidelines emphasize legibility to ensure content can be enjoyed by everyone, including those with visual impairments.
Screen readers and text-to-speech software require legible text to provide accurate outputs for users.

Origin of 'legible'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'legibilis', which means 'that can be read'.
The root 'legere' in Latin means 'to read', connecting the word directly to its function.
The term has been used in English since the early 19th century, emphasizing the importance of clear writing.

The word 'legible' originated from the Latin word 'legibilis', which means 'that can be read'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of legibility has always been important in communication, whether through writing, printing, or digital media. Ensuring that text is legible is crucial for effective communication and understanding.

See also: leg, legacy, legal, legatee, legation, legend, legs.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,437, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15434 perpetuated
15435 wizard
15436 gaol
15437 legible
15438 ejection
15439 festive
15440 garnet
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