entendível

Entendível is a Portuguese adjective used to describe something that can be understood or comprehended. It is commonly applied to texts, speech, explanations, or concepts that present enough clarity for a reader or listener to grasp their meaning without excessive effort. The term emphasizes the potential for understanding rather than instantaneous or effortless comprehension.

Etymology and formation: entendível is formed from the verb entender (to understand) with the suffix -ível, which marks the possibility of a given action or state. This pattern is shared with other adjectives such as compreensível or legível. The word has historical roots in the development of the Romance languages and remains productive in contemporary Portuguese.

Usage and register: entendível is widely used in both Brazilian and European Portuguese. It often appears in formal, technical, or evaluative contexts, such as assessments of readability or explanations designed for non-specialists. In some varieties of Portuguese, compreensível may be preferred in everyday speech, but entendível remains common and understood in most settings.

Nuances and synonyms: entendível implies that something can be understood, possibly with some effort or background knowledge. It is related to synonyms like compreensível (more neutral or formal, sometimes broader) and inteligível (emphasizing clarity and intelligibility). Legível focuses on the ease of reading rather than understanding the content. The choice among these terms can reflect degree of accessibility and audience expectations.

Examples: "O relatório é entendível para quem não é especialista." "O jargão técnico torna o manual menos entendível para leigos." See also: compreensão, compreensão de leitura, compreensível, inteligível.