Intelligible
/ɪnˈtɛlədʒəbl/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Intelligible describes something (like speech, writing, or a message) that is easy to understand. It means the information is clear, not confusing or unclear, so the listener or reader can grasp the meaning without problems.
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See It in Action
Clear and understandable language or speech
- •Her explanation was intelligible, so everyone in the class understood the difficult topic.
- •The instructions were not intelligible because they used too many technical words.
- •Please speak more slowly and clearly to make your words intelligible.
(Less common) Something that can be understood or interpreted easily
- •The message in the letter was intelligible despite the poor handwriting.
- •The meaning of the poem was intelligible after the teacher explained it.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "intelligible" like "clear," but more about being easy to understand, not just easy to see
- ✓Picture someone speaking slowly and clearly so you can catch every word without guessing
- ✓It's the feeling when a teacher explains something in simple words, and you immediately understand
- ✓Sounds like "in-TELL-i-juh-bull" → imagine a smart person telling a story that you can easily follow
- ✓Think of subtitles in a movie that are easy to read and help you understand the dialogue perfectly
- ✓NOT like "mumbled" or "unclear" (hard to understand), "intelligible" means everything is clear and makes sense
- ✓NOT like "visible" (you can see it), "intelligible" means you can understand it with your mind, not just your eyes
Try Other Words
- •Understandable: easy to understand (Use when talking about language or ideas that people can grasp without difficulty)
- •Comprehensible: able to be understood (Use in formal or academic contexts to describe clear explanations or texts)
- •Clear: easy to see or understand (Use in everyday language when something is obvious or simple)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "in-" (meaning "not" or "into") + root "tellig" (from Latin "intelligere" meaning "to understand") + suffix "-ible" (meaning "able to be")
- •Etymology: From Latin "intelligibilis," meaning "able to be understood"
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 1600s to describe things that can be understood by the mind
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe speech, writing, or messages that are clear and easy to understand
Reflect & Connect
•How can making your speech more intelligible help you in everyday conversations or work?
•Can something be visible but not intelligible? How does that affect communication?
Fill in the blanks
1.When someone speaks too fast, their words are not intelligible because the listener cannot ___ them clearly.
2.The teacher made the complex topic intelligible by using simple examples and ___ explanations.
3.Unlike mumbled speech, intelligible speech is easy to ___ and understand.
4.The instructions were intelligible enough for everyone to follow without needing ___ help.
5.To make your writing intelligible, you should avoid ___ words that confuse the reader.
6.If a message is intelligible, it means the meaning is ___ and clear to the audience.
7.Even though the handwriting was messy, the letter was still intelligible because the words were ___ written.