Definition of intelligible

The word "intelligible" derives from the Latin "intelligibilis," meaning "understandable" or "capable of being understood." The root word "intelligere" translates to "to understand" or "perceive intellectually." In medieval philosophy, intelligible was used to describe a concept or idea that could be grasped by the intellect alone, independent of sensory experience. This distinction between the intelligible and sensible realms of knowledge became a central tenet of scholastic thought, as philosophers grappled with the nature of reality and the limits of human perception. As the sciences and humanities continued to evolve, the concept of intelligibility took on different meanings in various fields. In linguistics, for example, intelligibility refers to the extent to which a listener can understand a spoken or written language, regardless of whether it shares a common grammatical or lexical structure. In mathematics, intelligibility pertains to the clarity and simplicity of an argument or proof. Today, the term "intelligible" is commonly used in technical and legal contexts, particularly to describe written or spoken communication that is clear, concise, and easily understood. Its origins in medieval philosophy serve as a testament to the enduring complexity and richness of our concept of knowledge and understanding.