intelligibly

Intelligibly is an adverb used to describe the manner in which something is conveyed in a way that can be easily understood. It applies to speech, writing, or reasoning that is clear, coherent, and accessible to a listener or reader. The opposite would be something that is obscure, opaque, or cryptic.

Origin: The form is derived from intelligible (an adjective), with the suffix -ly. Intelligible comes from the Latin intelligibilis, from intellegere "to understand." The adverb intelligibly emerged in English around the 16th century.

Usage notes: In everyday language, intelligibly often describes communication aimed at clarity, such as instructional materials or lectures. People sometimes confuse intelligibly with intelligently, which means "in a way that shows intelligence" or "in a clever way" rather than "understandably."

Related terms: intelligibility (noun) describes the quality or state of being easy to understand; intelligible (adjective) describes something that can be understood. In linguistics and communication studies, intelligibility is a key concept for evaluating how well a speaker or text can be understood by a target audience.

Examples: The professor spoke intelligibly, and the students grasped the main ideas quickly. The instruction manual was praised for its intelligibility. In a multilingual setting, efforts to improve intelligibility can involve simplifying vocabulary, clarifying syntax, and providing examples.