Word
comprehensible
Phoneticscom·pre·hen·si·ble, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɑmpɹiˈhɛnsəbəɫ/
UK/kˌɒmpɹɪhˈɛnsəbəl/
Definition
adj. easy to understand or explain. You use this to describe something that is clear and not confusing.
adj. capable of being understood or explained; clear and intelligible. Often used to describe language, instructions, or complex ideas.
Examples
“The teacher gave a comprehensible explanation of the math problem.”
“The software manual is written in a comprehensible way so that even beginners can follow the steps.”
“While the theory is inherently complex, the author presents it in a comprehensible manner that avoids excessive jargon and technical footnotes.”
Examples
simple
“The teacher gave a comprehensible explanation of the math problem.”
contextual
“The software manual is written in a comprehensible way so that even beginners can follow the steps.”
complex
“While the theory is inherently complex, the author presents it in a comprehensible manner that avoids excessive jargon and technical footnotes.”
Confusables
comprehensible vs comprehensive
Comprehensive covers everything in a set; comprehensible is simply easy to understand.
RememberComprehensive = Complete. Comprehensible = Clear.
Real-World Examples
“But it was not enough to make the words quicker to read or the text more comprehensible.” “Election officials cannot control whether voters like the outcome, but they can make the processes that produce it visible and comprehensible.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin comprehensibilis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/comprehensible