Unreadably: meaning, definitions and examples
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unreadably
[ ʌnˈrɪdəblɪ ]
writing quality
Unreadably means in a manner that cannot be read or understood due to poor handwriting, formatting, or obscurity. It describes text that is extremely difficult to read, often because of the author's style or the medium used.
Synonyms
illegibly, incomprehensibly, indecipherably
Examples of usage
- The note was written so unreadably that no one could decipher it.
- His handwriting was unreadably messy on the test paper.
- The font choice was so elaborate that it became unreadably confusing.
- The instructions were presented unreadably, leading to many errors.
- The manuscript was unreadably edited, making it frustrating for reviewers.
Etymology
The word 'unreadably' is formed by the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the adverb 'readably', which itself comes from the verb 'read'. The verb 'read' has its origins in Old English 'ræð', meaning 'to counsel' or 'to interpret'. The transition from the sense of interpretation to the more specific meaning of interpreting written text occurred in Middle English. The suffix '-able' indicates that something can be done or is possible, thus 'readable' means something that can be read easily. The formation of 'unreadably' reflects the evolution of the English language in describing increasingly nuanced concepts related to communication. The adverbial form suggests a state or manner in which reading is rendered impossible or significantly challenging, highlighting the importance of legibility in written communication.