Readable: meaning, definitions and examples

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readable

[ˈriːdəbəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

text

Easily read or understood; clear and easy to follow

Synonyms

comprehensible, intelligible, legible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
readable	Suitable for text that is easy and pleasant to read, often used for books, articles, and any written material that should be enjoyable or easy to go through. The novel was so well-written and readable that I finished it in two days. Her essay was clear and readable, making it easy to understand her arguments.
legible	Specifically used for handwriting or printed text that is clear enough to read without difficulty. Her handwriting is very legible, making it easy for the teacher to grade her papers. The print was small but still legible.
comprehensible	Used when something can be easily understood, particularly referring to language or content that is clear and makes sense. The lecture was very comprehensible, even for those new to the topic. His explanation was simple and comprehensible, leaving no room for confusion.
intelligible	Refers to speech or text that can be understood, particularly in situations where clarity is important, such as instructions or foreign language. Despite his thick accent, his speech was quite intelligible. The manual was written in an intelligible manner, allowing users to follow the steps easily.

Examples of usage

The book is written in a very readable style.
The instructions are presented in a readable format.
The report needs to be more readable for a wider audience.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

code

Capable of being executed and understood by a human rather than a computer

Synonyms

clear, human-readable, understandable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
readable	Typically used to describe text or writing that is easy to read and understand. This can apply to books, articles, emails, or any other written material. The author's style makes the novel very readable. The report was concise and readable, making it easy for everyone to understand.
understandable	Used to describe something that is easy to comprehend, not limited to written text. This term can also be used to describe emotions or reactions that make sense in a given situation. The explanation was clear and understandable. Her frustration after the long delay was completely understandable.
clear	Used when describing anything, not just text, that is easy to understand, see, or hear. Can also refer to a person's speech or ideas. Her instructions were clear and easy to follow. The sky was clear and blue that day. He made his position on the matter very clear.
human-readable	Often used in technical or computing contexts to describe data or text that is formatted in a way understandable by humans, as opposed to machine-readable formats. The logs are in a human-readable format, making debugging easier. This code should be converted to a human-readable form before sharing it with the team.

Examples of usage

The code needs to be more readable for easier maintenance.
Improving readability will make debugging faster.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word has roots in Old English 'rædan', meaning 'to advise or counsel', which evolved into its current form.
The suffix '-able' indicates capability, together suggesting something can be read.
This term became prominent in the early 20th century, correlating with typesetting developments that focused on text clarity.

Literature

Readable prose often engages readers more effectively than complex, jargon-filled text.
Famous authors like Ernest Hemingway are celebrated for their readable style, emphasizing clarity and simplicity.
The readability of a text can greatly influence its popularity, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Psychology

Studies show that readable content can enhance comprehension and retention in readers.
The Flesch-Kincaid readability tests are tools used to measure how easy or difficult text is for readers of different ages.
Readable materials are particularly important in educational settings, facilitating learning for diverse student populations.

Technology

The rise of digital media has amplified the importance of readability, as users often skim online content.
Web design emphasizes readable fonts and layouts to improve user experience and keep visitors engaged.
Many content management systems now incorporate readability scores to help writers create clear and effective articles.

Design

Designers often utilize principles of readability in typography, ensuring that fonts can be easily deciphered at various sizes.
Contrast between text and background is crucial for readability, particularly in signage and printed materials.
Accessibility guidelines stress the importance of readability, making sure content is available to everyone, including those with visual impairments.

Translations

Translations of the word "readable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 legível

🇮🇳 पढ़ने योग्य

🇩🇪 lesbar

🇮🇩 terbaca

🇺🇦 читабельний

🇵🇱 czytelny

🇯🇵 読みやすい

🇫🇷 lisible

🇪🇸 legible

🇹🇷 okunaklı

🇰🇷 읽기 쉬운

🇸🇦 مقروء

🇨🇿 čitelný

🇸🇰 čitateľný

🇨🇳 可读的

🇸🇮 berljiv

🇮🇸 læsanlegur

🇰🇿 оқуға жарамды

🇬🇪 წასაკითხი

🇦🇿 oxunan

🇲🇽 legible

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,667, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10664 pictorial
10665 curricula
10666 educator
10667 readable
10668 prejudiced
10669 brightly
10670 ridicule
...