English

readable

gb/ɹˈidəbəl/ us/ɹˈidəbəl/
B1 English
~ 2400
Senses
0 senses
adjective B1 property
1

Easy to read and understand

Easy to read and understand.

Usage pattern: [something] is readable
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'readable' with 'legible'. 'Readable' often refers to style or clarity of writing, while 'legible' is about physical clarity of letters or print.
Synonyms
legible (Refers more to handwriting or print being physically clear to read, not style or content.) | comprehensible (Focuses on being understandable, not necessarily enjoyable or well-written.)
Antonyms
illegible (Physically impossible or very hard to read due to poor handwriting or print quality.) | incomprehensible (Difficult or impossible to understand due to poor clarity or complexity.)
Collocations
highly readable |readable style |readable text |clear and readable |make [something] readable
Themes
daily life |education |media |communication |core_vocabulary
Examples
  • The novel is short and highly readable.
  • His handwriting is surprisingly readable for a doctor.
  • The instructions are written in a clear, readable style.
  • The article was well-organized and very readable.
  • She prefers books that are both informative and readable.
Learner examples
  • This book is very readable.
  • Your handwriting is readable.
  • The story is easy and readable.
  • The letter was clear and readable.
  • The sign was big and readable.
adjective B2 property
2

Able to be read by someone or something

In a form that people or computers can read.

Usage pattern: [something] is readable by [someone/something]
Synonyms
interpretable (Often used in technical contexts meaning data can be understood by a system or person.)
Antonyms
unreadable (Not able to be read due to damage, encryption, or other issues.)
Collocations
machine-readable |readable file format |readable data |readable by humans |digitally readable
Themes
technology |education |communication |core_vocabulary
Examples
  • The file is not readable by this program.
  • Make sure the label is readable from a distance.
  • This document is easily readable on any device.
  • The text was barely readable after being scanned.
  • Data must be in a readable format for analysis.
Learner examples
  • The file is readable on my computer.
  • The text is readable by the scanner.
  • This book is readable for children.
  • The sign is readable from here.
  • The code is readable by the program.
Grammar
Dictionary form
readable
IPA
GB/ɹˈidəbəl/
US/ɹˈidəbəl/
Syllables & stress
read - able (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (read)
Word forms
Adjective
  • Base: readable
Word family
Core family
read verb A1 reader noun A2 reading noun A1
Related words
readability noun C1 reread verb
Negative and opposite forms
unreadable adjective
Advanced or less common
readership noun B2
Expressions

highly readable

1
/hˈaɪli ɹˈidəbəl/
fixed phrase

Very easy and pleasant to read

Very easy and enjoyable to read and understand.

Examples
  • Her latest novel is highly readable and entertaining.
  • The report was highly readable thanks to its clear structure.

machine-readable

1
/məʃˈin ɹˈidəbəl/
fixed phrase technical

Able to be processed by a computer

In a form that a computer can read without help from people.

Examples
  • All data must be in a machine-readable format.
  • The barcode is machine-readable for quick scanning.

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