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

Other Word Forms

• intelligibleness noun
• intelligibly adverb
• half-intelligible adjective
• half-intelligibly adverb
• self-intelligible adjective
• semi-intelligible adjective
• semi-intelligibly adverb
• intelligibility noun

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

Within months, Sarah lost the use of her hands, then "all intelligible speech".

From BBC

When situated within this broader context of a professed commitment to scientific detachment, Oppenheimer’s behavior becomes more intelligible.

From Salon

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

It’s difficult, perhaps impossible, probably pointless to tie all the ends together, to understand how the circuitry works — certainly not as you’re watching, while things move fast and explanations, when given, are not necessarily intelligible.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• comprehensible