czytelnym

Czytelnym is the instrumental singular form of the Polish adjective czytelny, meaning “readable” or “legible.” It is used to describe text, handwriting, typography, or design that can be read easily, as well as the manner in which something is written or presented.

Etymology and meaning: the adjective czytelny derives from the verb czytać (to read) and denotes clarity and ease of reading. The form czytelnym communicates the instrumental/a manner sense, often in constructions that specify the means or style of readability.

Grammar: like other Polish adjectives, czytelny declines by gender, number, and case. In masculine/neuter singular instrumental and locative, the form is czytelnym (e.g., w czytelnym stylu, napisany czytelnym pismem). In feminine singular instrumental it is czytelną, and in plural instrumental it is czytelnymi. The base meaning remains “readable,” while the specific form reflects grammatical role in a sentence.

Usage: czytelnym appears most often in fixed phrases describing how something is written or presented to maximize readability—such as handwriting, printing, or typography. It is common in formal or technical contexts, including publishing, design, and education, to contrast legibility with illegibility or poor readability. The related noun czytelność denotes readability in general.

See also: czytelny; czytelność.