Word
readable
Phoneticsread·able
US/ˈɹidəbəɫ/
UK/ɹˈiːdəbəl/
Definition
adj. easy or pleasant to read because the writing is clear or the story is interesting.
adj. characterised by a clear, engaging, or accessible style that facilitates easy consumption by a reader.
Examples
“The author's latest novel is very readable.”
“Even though the report covers a complex scientific topic, the author made it readable for a general audience.”
“The biographer manages to turn a dense collection of historical archives into a highly readable narrative that captures the subject's personality without sacrificing academic rigour.”
Examples
simple
“The author's latest novel is very readable.”
contextual
“Even though the report covers a complex scientific topic, the author made it readable for a general audience.”
complex
“The biographer manages to turn a dense collection of historical archives into a highly readable narrative that captures the subject's personality without sacrificing academic rigour.”
Usage
Often used to praise non-fiction that avoids overly technical jargon.
Pitfall
The handwriting is not readable.
The handwriting is not legible.
Use 'legible' for the physical clarity of writing or print; use 'readable' for the quality and enjoyment of the prose style.
Real-World Examples
“They shift color as pH changes , offering a readable signal at every stage of spoilage.” “She carefully raises the scanner glass with a foot pedal each time she turns a page, then adjusts the cameras and ensures the page is readable.” Etymology
From read + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/readable