Basic Details
Word: Illegible
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Difficult or impossible to read.
Synonyms: Unreadable, unclear, indecipherable
Antonyms: Legible, clear, readable
Idioms and Phrases
- Illegible handwriting: Used to refer to writing that is so messy it cannot be read. Example: "His note was filled with illegible handwriting, making it hard to understand what he wanted."
- Read between the lines: To understand the hidden meaning when something is unclear or illegible. Example: "The letter was illegible, but I could read between the lines and get the message."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The teacher returned the test papers with a note saying that some answers were illegible.
Example 2: After trying to decipher the illegible text, she realised it was written in a hurry.
Example 3: He always wrote his notes in a rush, resulting in an illegible scrawl that nobody could read.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "illegible" comes from the Latin word "illegibilis," where "il-" means "not" and "legere" means "to read"? So, it literally means "not able to be read."
Famous Quote
"Handwriting is the painting of the voice." - Voltaire. This quote reminds us that our writing conveys our thoughts, and if it's illegible, our voice becomes lost!
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "illegible" mean?
a) Very beautiful
b) Very clear
c) Difficult or impossible to read
d) Highly digital
Answer: c) Difficult or impossible to read
2. Which of these is a synonym of "illegible"?
a) Clear
b) Unreadable
c) Readable
d) Obvious
Answer: b) Unreadable
3. Which word is an antonym of "illegible"?
a) Messy
b) Legible
c) Confusing
d) Unknown
Answer: b) Legible
4. Which sentence uses "illegible" correctly?
a) The teacher said his work was illegible.
b) The illegible book was the best I ever read.
c) She wrote an illegible letter to her friend.
d) The illegible garden was full of flowers.
Answer: a) The teacher said his work was illegible.
5. Which idiom relates to the idea of being illegible?
a) Read between the lines
b) Cold as ice
c) Fits like a glove
d) As clear as crystal
Answer: a) Read between the lines
