What does intelligible mean?
Intelligible is an adjective meaning clear and capable of being understood. It describes language, writing, explanations, signals, or other forms of communication that a person can interpret without excessive difficulty. The word is often used in formal contexts, such as discussing whether a message is intelligible to its audience or whether two languages are mutually intelligible. In ordinary use, “understandable” may sound more conversational, while “intelligible” can carry a slightly more formal tone. The term does not necessarily mean that something is simple or easy: a complicated subject can still be explained intelligibly if its meaning is presented clearly. Intelligible is also useful in discussions of speech recognition, communication systems, and language relationships, where the central concern is whether a message can be accurately understood.
adjectiveClear and easy to understand. In this context, something is intelligible when its meaning can be grasped without difficulty, especially when it is spoken or written.
- Capable of being understood; clear enough for comprehension.
"The professor's explanation was remarkably intelligible, even to students unfamiliar with the subject."
"She gave an intelligible account of what had happened."
"The agreement was written in language that remained intelligible to people outside the region."
Intelligible comes from the Latin intellegere, literally 'to read into' or 'to understand': understanding was once imagined as reading meaning inward.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intelligible come from?
The adjective comes from Latin intelligibilis, derived from intellegere, meaning 'to understand.' Intellegere was formed from in- ('into') and legere ('read'), literally suggesting the act of reading into something. English borrowed the word through French and Latin traditions, and it ultimately belongs to the same broad family as intelligent, intelligence, and intellect.
Related word forms
How intelligible is actually used
Intelligible is formal but widely understood. It is especially useful when discussing speech, writing, explanations, or languages, and it can sometimes suggest that something is clear to the intended audience without being simple.
Easily confused with intelligible
Legible usually describes writing or print that can be read, whereas intelligible describes something whose meaning can be understood.
Intelligible means easy to understand, while intelligent describes a person or being able to think, learn, or reason effectively.