Unintelligible Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คทโโ๏ธ
unintelligible
[หสnษชnหtelษชdสษชb(ษ)l ]
Definitions
communication
Impossible to understand or comprehend.
Synonyms
cryptic, incomprehensible, opaque.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
unintelligible |
Use when referring to speech or writing that cannot be understood because it is unclear or confusing.
|
incomprehensible |
Appropriate for describing something that is impossible to understand, often for complex, abstract, or sophisticated content.
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cryptic |
Suitable for descriptions, messages, or remarks that are intentionally mysterious or obscure, often requiring effort to understand.
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opaque |
Best used for descriptions of things that block light or are metaphorically difficult to understand because they are dense or unclear.
|
Examples of usage
- His speech was so fast that it became unintelligible.
- The technical jargon used in the manual was unintelligible to most users.
sound
Not able to be understood because of being unclear or garbled.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
unintelligible |
Used when something cannot be understood at all due to unclear articulation or complexity. It often implies a complete lack of comprehension.
|
indistinct |
Ideal for describing something that is not clear or sharply defined, making it hard to distinguish one part from another. Often used for describing sounds and images.
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muffled |
Best used when sound is quietened, softened, or stifled, often due to physical obstruction. It implies that sound is present but not clear.
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garbled |
Appropriate when something is mixed up, distorted, or confused to the point that it is hard to understand. Often used in relation to communication and information.
|
Examples of usage
- The audio recording was so distorted that it became unintelligible.
- The signal was so weak that the radio broadcast became unintelligible.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Education
- Educational settings sometimes struggle with unintelligible speech, particularly in children learning to communicate.
- Teachers may develop specific strategies to help make unintelligible language clearer during lessons.
- In language learning, the goal is often to move from unintelligible to intelligible speech as learners gain fluency.
Communication
- Unintelligible speech can create barriers in communication, leading to misunderstandings.
- Various factors such as heavy accents, mumbling, or unfamiliarity with a language can render speech unintelligible.
- Effective communication skills focus on reducing unintelligibility to ensure messages are clear.
Psychology
- Sometimes, people might mumble or speak unintelligibly because of anxiety or being nervous in social situations.
- Unintelligibility can also impact social interactions, leading to feelings of frustration or isolation for some individuals.
- Research in psychology looks at how clarity in speech affects social relationships and self-esteem.
Pop Culture
- In films and television shows, characters might use unintelligible language for comedic effect, making them sound silly.
- Certain music genres may employ unintelligible lyrics as a stylistic choice, focusing on rhythm and sound rather than meaning.
- Classic cartoons often depict characters speaking unintelligibly when they're flustered or in comedic chaos.
Origin of 'unintelligible'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin roots: 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'intelligibilis,' which means 'able to be understood.'
- The first known use of the word appeared in the early 17th century, showing its long-standing presence in the English language.
- Related terms include 'intelligible' which means something that can be easily understood.
The word 'unintelligible' originated in the late 16th century, combining the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'intelligible,' which comes from the Latin word 'intelligere,' meaning 'to understand.' Over the centuries, it has been used to describe things that are impossible to understand or comprehend, whether in communication or sound.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #14,642, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
- ...
- 14639 prewar
- 14640 identifier
- 14641 contraceptive
- 14642 unintelligible
- 14643 pauper
- 14644 commemorate
- 14645 parson
- ...