readably

Readably is an adverb formed from the adjective readable by adding the suffix -ably. It describes the manner in which text can be read or the extent to which it is easy to read. When something is readably formatted or written, it prioritizes clarity and accessibility to readers.

In modern English, readably is relatively uncommon outside discussions of typography, editing, or readability studies. It is generally preferred to use readable as an adjective, or to phrase the sentence around "readability" or "easy to read." Example: "The report is readable on mobile devices" or "The document is formatted to improve readability."

Derived from read-able, by adding -ly to form an adverb. The suffix -ably is productive with adjectives ending in -able. The word dates from Early Modern English usage; it is listed in major dictionaries but is not typically used in everyday writing. In modern usage, some style guides may treat readably as formal or archaic and encourage simpler phrasing such as "readable" or "easy to read."

See also readability, legibility, plain language, typography, and document accessibility.