intelligibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intelligibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the clarity or comprehensibility of speech, writing, or other forms of communication. Example: "The intelligibility of the speaker's accent made it difficult for the audience to understand the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The test, which is both a set of specifications and implemented in software, consistently delivers greater intelligibility of speech compared with existing alternatives.

The Economist

Over its 120-year history Esperanto may have failed in its original mission to bring world peace via mutual intelligibility, but it remains both an engaging intellectual exercise and a route to a ready-made social life".A language isn't something you learn so much as something you join," says Arika Okrent, author of a book on artificial argots.

The Economist

Mutual intelligibility may be the go-to standard, but where that isn't decisive, even linguists, while they care mostly about pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar, consider non-linguistic factors like self-perception.The fact is that most people aren't linguists, and social reality is important.

The Economist

He is resolutely relaxed about usage, understanding that correctitude and intelligibility are not the same.

The Economist

In Europe, we call "French" and "Spanish" "languages", but in Arabic, we call these varieties "dialects", despite the lack of mutual intelligibility.

The Economist

The devotees of a particular philosopher or field have usually been allowed to use the idioms and jargon that come most naturally to them, regardless of the demands of intelligibility to others.

The Economist

Last week, we returned to the topic with a piece called "How a dialect differs from a language", explaining that mutual intelligibility is the most important criterion for language experts.

The Economist

Considerations of intelligibility fare no better.

SEP

Secondly, there is an issue of intelligibility.

SEP

These are, in order of increasing stringency, intelligibility, accessibility, and shareability.

SEP

Doubts about the intelligibility of such a plurality arise because of perplexities concerning the individuation and separation of any pair of necessarily indiscernible objects, and because positing the existence of a plurality of such objects is metaphysically extravagant and gratuitous.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating the "intelligibility" of a text or speech, consider the target audience and adjust the complexity accordingly to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using unnecessarily complex language when aiming for "intelligibility". Simplifying explanations can often enhance understanding.

Linguistic Context

The word "intelligibility" primarily functions as a noun, representing the quality or state of being intelligible, or understandable. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes the degree to which something can be easily understood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intelligibility" refers to the quality of being easily understood, predominantly used as a noun. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across scientific and news media sources. To enhance writing, prioritize audience understanding and avoid unnecessary complexity. Consider alternatives like "clarity" or "comprehensibility" to ensure your message is easily grasped.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensibility

Emphasizes the capacity to be fully understood.

clarity

Focuses on the ease with which something can be perceived or understood.

understandability

Highlights the ability of something to be grasped mentally.

legibility

Refers to the quality of being clear enough to read.

lucidity

Indicates clearness of thought or style.

transparency

Suggests openness and lack of ambiguity.

accessibility

Highlights the ease with which something can be accessed or understood.

explicitness

Focuses on being clear and leaving no question about meaning.

precision

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness in conveying meaning.

articulation

Refers to the clarity and effectiveness of spoken words.

FAQs

How is "intelligibility" used in the context of language?

"Intelligibility" refers to how easily speech or writing can be understood. Factors influencing it include pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

What is the difference between "intelligibility" and "comprehensibility"?

While closely related, "intelligibility" often focuses on the clarity of the message itself, whereas "comprehensibility" emphasizes the ability of the receiver to understand it.

What factors affect the "intelligibility" of speech?

Factors include the speaker's articulation, accent, the complexity of the vocabulary, background noise, and the listener's familiarity with the subject.

When should I use "clarity" instead of "intelligibility"?

Use "clarity" when referring to the quality of being easily understood, especially in writing or visual presentations. "Intelligibility" is often used in the context of speech or language understandability.