legible
UK: /ˈlɛdʒɪb(ə)l/ | US: /ˈlɛdʒəb(ə)l/
adj. (of handwriting or print) clear enough to be read easily
adj. (of text or ideas) understandable or comprehensible
legible = leg<read> + ible<capable of>
- leg<read>: From Latin legere ("to read"), also seen in words like lecture and legend.
- ible<capable of>: A suffix of Latin origin indicating ability or susceptibility, as in visible or flexible.
Etymology Origin:
The word legible traces back to Late Latin legibilis, derived from legere ("to read"). The root leg- originally meant "to gather, choose," evolving into "to read" as reading involves selecting and interpreting symbols. The suffix -ible (via Latin -ibilis) denotes capability, forming adjectives meaning "able to be [root action]." Thus, legible literally means "able to be read," reflecting clarity in written form.
Her handwriting was so neat and legible that everyone could read it effortlessly.
The document must be typed in a legible font for accessibility purposes.
Despite the faded ink, the signature remained barely legible.
The teacher emphasized the importance of keeping notes legible for future reference.
The ancient manuscript was surprisingly legible after careful restoration.