Reading Theme:
Intelligible Definition: Clear and Understandable (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：clear and understandable (intelligible)
intelligible
/ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒɪbəl/
adj.
When something (like speech or writing) is clear enough to be understood easily.
clear and understandable
➕
/klɪr ænd ˌʌndərˈstændəbəl/
adj.
Describes speech, writing, or ideas that are easy to follow and make sense to the listener or reader.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Latin: inter (between) + legere (read/choose) + -ible (able) = able to be understood.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'in-tell-i-gible' as 'in tell' — if you can tell what it means, it's intelligible.
📖 Example
The professor's explanation was so intelligible that even students new to the topic could follow along easily.
The professor's explanation was so intelligible that even students new to the topic could follow along easily.
🔗 Collocations
perfectly intelligible – completely clear and easy to understand
mutually intelligible – two languages or dialects understandable by speakers of each other
make something intelligible – to clarify something so it can be understood
🔄 Synonyms
clear (adj.) – Easy to perceive, understand, or interpret.
understandable (adj.) – Able to be comprehended; reasonable.
comprehensible (adj.) – Able to be grasped mentally; within the range of understanding.
🚫 Antonyms
unintelligible (adj.) – Impossible to understand; not clear.
incomprehensible (adj.) – Not able to be understood; baffling.
unclear (adj.) – Not easy to see, hear, or understand.
🌱 Derivatives
intelligibility (n.) – The quality of being intelligible; clarity.
intelligibly (adv.) – In a way that is clear and understandable.
unintelligible (adj.) – Not intelligible; impossible to understand.
📖 Cultural Story
Entered English in the 14th century via Old French from Latin 'intelligibilis'. Frequently used in philosophy and rhetoric, e.g., by John Locke to describe clarity of ideas.
Meaning 2：logically organized and easy to follow (intelligible)
intelligible
/ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒɪbəl/
adj.
Describing a system or set of instructions that is organized clearly so people can understand how it works or what to do.
logically organized and easy to follow
➕
/ˈlɒdʒɪkli ˈɔːrɡənaɪzd ænd ˈiːzi tu ˈfɒloʊ/
adj.
Refers to a system, interface, or set of instructions that is structured clearly so that users can easily grasp its logic or operation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The new app's user interface is remarkably intelligible, with simple icons and a logical menu structure that anyone can navigate.
The new app's user interface is remarkably intelligible, with simple icons and a logical menu structure that anyone can navigate.
🔗 Collocations
intelligible interface – a user interface that is clear and easy to navigate
intelligible instructions – instructions that are easy to understand and follow
intelligible layout – a layout that is logically arranged and intuitive
🔄 Synonyms
logical (adj.) – Characterized by clear, sound reasoning; following a coherent sequence.
clear-cut (adj.) – Sharp and definite; not ambiguous.
straightforward (adj.) – Uncomplicated and easy to do or understand.
🚫 Antonyms
confusing (adj.) – Causing bewilderment or lack of clarity.
ambiguous (adj.) – Open to more than one interpretation; not clear.
disorganized (adj.) – Not properly arranged; lacking order.
🌱 Derivatives
intelligibility (n.) – The quality of being easy to understand, especially in design.
intelligibly (adv.) – In a clear, logical manner.
unintelligible (adj.) – Impossible to make sense of; perplexing.
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