Spell Bee Word: illegibly

Basic Details

Word: Illegibly

Part of Speech: Adverb

Meaning: In a way that is impossible to read or understand.

Synonyms: Unreadably, scrawly

Antonyms: Legibly, clearly

Idioms and Phrases

1. Write like a doctor: Referring to handwriting that is very hard to read, often associated with doctors' prescriptions. Example: "His notes were so messy; they looked like he was writing like a doctor."
2. Can't make heads or tails: Used when something is so unclear or illegible that it’s impossible to understand. Example: "I tried reading his handwriting, but I couldn't make heads or tails of it."

Usage Examples

Example 1: The instructions were written illegibly, making it difficult for anyone to follow them.

Example 2: During the exam, I noticed that my friend's answers were written illegibly, so I could not help him.

Example 3: The letter was sent in an illegibly scrawled hand, and the recipient could not decipher the message.

Fun Fact

The word "illegibly" comes from the Latin root "legere," which means "to read." When "il" is added, it signifies the opposite of "readable." Hence, it literally means "not readable."

Famous Quote

"The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe." - Gustave Flaubert. (This emphasizes that clarity in writing can reflect one's thoughts clearly, highlighting the opposite of "illegibly.")

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does "illegibly" mean?

a) In a way that is easy to read
b) In a way that is impossible to read
c) In a formal manner
d) In a joyful way

Answer: b) In a way that is impossible to read

2. Which of these is a synonym of "illegibly"?

a) Unreadably
b) Clearly
c) Neatly
d) Carefully

Answer: a) Unreadably

3. Which is an antonym of "illegibly"?

a) Scrawly
b) Legibly
c) Messily
d) Hazily

Answer: b) Legibly

4. Which sentence uses "illegibly" correctly?

a) She wrote the report illegibly, so her boss couldn’t read it.
b) He spoke illegibly during the presentation.
c) The painting was illegibly beautiful.
d) The book was written illegibly in clear language.

Answer: a) She wrote the report illegibly, so her boss couldn’t read it.

5. Which idiom means that something is unclear?

a) Write like a doctor
b) A picture is worth a thousand words
c) Just read between the lines
d) Burning the midnight oil

Answer: a) Write like a doctor