intelligible

[ in-tel-i-juh-buhl ]

adjective

1. capable of being understood; comprehensible; clear:

   an intelligible response.

   Synonyms: coherent, lucid, distinct

2. Philosophy. apprehensible by the mind only; conceptual.

intelligible

/ ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəbəl /

adjective

1. able to be understood; comprehensible
2. philosophy
   1. capable of being apprehended by the mind or intellect alone
   2. (in metaphysical systems such as those of Plato or Kant) denoting that metaphysical realm which is accessible to the intellect as opposed to the world of mere phenomena accessible to the senses

Derived Forms

• inˌtelligiˈbility, noun
• inˈtelligibly, adverb

Other Words From

• in·telli·gi·ble·ness noun
• in·telli·gi·bly adverb
• half-in·telli·gi·ble adjective
• half-in·telli·gi·bly adverb
• self-in·telli·gi·ble adjective
• semi-in·telli·gi·ble adjective
• semi-in·telli·gi·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intelligible¹

1350–1400; Middle English from Latin intelligibilis, equivalent to intellig- ( intelligent ) + -ibilis -ible

Word History and Origins

Origin of intelligible¹

C14: from Latin intellegibilis; see intellect

Example Sentences

The casting of deaf and hearing actors — one to embody and emotionalize a character, the other to sing, speak and jam — fails to harmonize into a resonant or even intelligible interpretation.

From Los Angeles Times

Where might comfort lie and how can purpose be found in an abyss of intelligible meaning?

From Los Angeles Times

The singer’s voice is also garbled, his lyrics barely intelligible.

From Science Magazine

Decoding was necessary to wrangle it into a more intelligible form.

From Scientific American

The Russian out of his mouth was thick with an accent, but it was still intelligible.

From Literature

Related Words

• comprehensible