intelligible

American  

[in-tel-i-juh-buhl] / ɪnˈtɛl ɪ dʒə bəl /

adjective

1. capable of being understood; comprehensible; clear.

   an intelligible response.

   Synonyms:

   coherent, lucid, distinct

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

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intelligible British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of intelligible

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

Example Sentences

Art criticism is about writing, a fundamental way to process that mystery, aiming to discover something at least temporarily intelligible.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s simply that you’ve got to do so with intelligible principles.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

• comprehensible