intelligible

UK: ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəb(ə)l | US: ɪnˈtɛlədʒəb(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. capable of being understood; clear or comprehensible

Structure
intel <between/among>lig <choose/gather>ible <capable of>
Etymology

The word intelligible traces back to Latin intelligibilis, derived from intelligere ("to understand"), itself formed from inter- ("between") + legere ("to gather/choose"). The core idea is "gathering meaning between words or ideas," evolving into "capable of being understood." The suffix -ible denotes potentiality, giving the modern sense of "understandable."

Examples

  1. The professor’s explanation was clear and intelligible to all students.

  2. Despite the technical jargon, the manual remained intelligible.

  3. Her speech was barely intelligible over the noisy crowd.

  4. The ancient text was translated into an intelligible modern version.

  5. A good teacher makes complex topics intelligible.