adjective
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able to be understood; comprehensible
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philosophy
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capable of being apprehended by the mind or intellect alone
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(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
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Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of intelligible
1350–1400; Middle English from Latin intelligibilis, equivalent to intellig- ( see intelligent) + -ibilis -ible
Explanation
Use the adjective intelligible to describe speech that is loud and clear, like the intelligible words of your principal which, thanks to a microphone, you were able to hear. When your goal is to make your writing intelligible to anyone who reads it, you choose clear, precise words and give details that tell more about what you mean. You might also include examples. Intelligible comes from the Latin word intelligibilis, "that can understand or that which can be understood." The earlier meaning of intelligible was "able to understand," which today is closer to the meaning of intelligent.
Vocabulary lists containing intelligible
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Robert M. Pirsig (1928-2017) Tribute List
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Watership Down
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Michael Auslin terms Coolidge’s interpretation “more intelligible and congenial to ordinary Americans than the abstract musings of scholars.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
Art criticism is about writing, a fundamental way to process that mystery, aiming to discover something at least temporarily intelligible.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2025
Within months, Sarah lost the use of her hands, then "all intelligible speech".
From BBC • Aug. 20, 2025
That’s a prescient thought, given the only intelligible question one can muster once they see Gaga’s 25-foot dress for the opening act is, “How?”
From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025
But it was barely intelligible, because Boo was squawking from inside Aru’s cupped hands.
From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
