Basic Details
Word: Illegible
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Difficult or impossible to read.
Synonyms: Unreadable, indecipherable
Antonyms: Legible, clear
Idioms and Phrases
- Illegible handwriting: When someone's writing is so messy that it cannot be read. Example: "My teacher returned my essay with a note that said my handwriting was illegible."
- Read between the lines: To understand the hidden meaning in something that may seem illegible. Example: "His message was unclear, but if you read between the lines, you can see he needs help."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The note was so smudged that it became completely illegible.
Example 2: After a lot of attempts, I finally managed to decipher the illegible scribbles in my old diary.
Example 3: The doctors handwriting on the prescription was often thought to be illegible by the pharmacists.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "illegible" comes from the Latin word "legibilis," which means "able to be read"? The prefix "il-" signifies "not," giving it the meaning of "not able to be read."
Famous Quote
"A handwritten note is sometimes more meaningful than a typed message, but make sure it's legible!" - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "illegible" mean?
a) Clear and easy to read
b) Difficult or impossible to read
c) Written with beautiful penmanship
d) Typed on a computer
Answer: b) Difficult or impossible to read
2. Which of these is a synonym of "illegible"?
a) Readable
b) Unreadable
c) Clear
d) Plain
Answer: b) Unreadable
3. Which word is an antonym of "illegible"?
a) Confusing
b) Legible
c) Messy
d) Indecipherable
Answer: b) Legible
4. Which sentence uses "illegible" correctly?
a) The teacher praised my illegible drawing.
b) The illegible note made it hard for them to understand the message.
c) My handwriting is illegible when I take my time.
d) The book was found in an illegible condition.
Answer: b) The illegible note made it hard for them to understand the message.
5. What does the idiom "read between the lines" mean?
a) To read a book slowly
b) To enjoy the clear writing
c) To understand a hidden meaning
d) To write clearly
Answer: c) To understand a hidden meaning
