Ilegible vs. Illegible: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 11, 2024
"Ilegible" is a misspelling, while "Illegible" is correct, meaning "not clear enough to read."
Which is correct: Ilegible or Illegible
How to spell Illegible?
Ilegible is Incorrect
Illegible is Correct
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Remember that "illegible" contains the idea of legality, so it's not just "legible" but has the 'i' and 'l' prefix indicating 'not.'
Think of "legible," meaning readable, and then add 'il-' for the opposite.
Remember there's an 'il-' prefix in "illegible," similar to "illegal" and "illogical," indicating negativity.
Associate the word with "legibility" but with 'il-' at the beginning to signify the negative form.
The 'il-' prefix plus a recognizable root (-legible) can help reinforce the correct spelling.
ADVERTISEMENT
Correct usage of Illegible
His handwriting is ilegible.
His handwriting is illegible.
The ancient text was almost ilegible due to wear.
The ancient text was almost illegible due to wear.
The note was so ilegible, I couldn't read it.
The note was so illegible, I couldn't read it.
The signature on the document is ilegible.
The signature on the document is illegible.
This prescription is ilegible; please rewrite it.
This prescription is illegible; please rewrite it.
Illegible Definitions
Illegible means so poorly written or printed as to be unreadable
For example, The doctor's handwriting was illegible.
Illegible refers to being difficult to decipher or interpret
E.g., The ancient script is illegible to modern readers.
Illegible signifies not being clear enough to be read
For example, Her signature is stylish but illegible.
Illegible implies a lack of clarity or legibility in visuals
For instance, The sign was illegible from a distance.
Illegible denotes something that can't be understood due to obscurity
For instance, The faded text was illegible.
Not legible or decipherable.
Not clear enough to be read; unreadable; not legible or decipherable.
Incapable of being read; not legible; as, illegible handwriting; an illegible inscription.
(of handwriting, print, etc.) not legible;
Illegible handwriting
Illegible Sentences
The old letter was faded and nearly illegible.
After the rain, the sign's writing became illegible.
Her quick writing is often illegible to others.
If your application is illegible, it may be rejected.
He tried to read the graffiti, but it was illegible.
An illegible signature can sometimes cause legal issues.
The teacher reminded the students that illegible work would not be graded.
The doctor's notes were completely illegible.
The message was so illegible that no one could decipher it.
Make sure your essay is not illegible; type it if necessary.
The stamp on the passport was smudged and illegible.
Due to the coffee spill, the contract's terms were illegible.
They found an old diary, but much of it was illegible.
After years of neglect, the painting's caption was illegible.
An illegible answer sheet can lead to lower test scores.
Instructions that are illegible can lead to confusion.
The fading ink made the last entries in the journal illegible.
Despite being illegible, the document held historical significance.
He had to redo the form because his first attempt was illegible.
He was asked to clarify the illegible parts of his report.
The ancient manuscript is fascinating, though largely illegible.
The name on the trophy was worn and illegible.
Her excitement made her handwriting almost illegible.
Illegible writing on the map made navigation difficult.
The code was so scrambled it was illegible to the software.
FAQs
What is the root word of Illegible?
The root word is "legible."
Why is it called Illegible?
It's called "illegible" because of the Latin prefix "il-" meaning "not" combined with "legible," meaning readable, denoting something that cannot be read or deciphered.
Which vowel is used before Illegible?
The vowel "i" is used.
What is the singular form of Illegible?
"Illegible" is an adjective and only has one form.
Which article is used with Illegible?
Both "a" and "the" can be used depending on the sentence, as it's an adjective.
What is the verb form of Illegible?
"Illegible" is an adjective and does not have a verb form.
What is the pronunciation of Illegible?
Illegible is pronounced as /iˈlejəbəl/.
What is the plural form of Illegible?
Adjectives do not have plural forms; it’s "illegible" for singular and plural nouns.
Which preposition is used with Illegible?
Prepositions like "to" can be used (e.g., "illegible to me").
Is Illegible an adverb?
No, it's an adjective.
Is Illegible a negative or positive word?
It's generally considered negative as it describes a lack of clarity or legibility.
Which conjunction is used with Illegible?
There's no specific conjunction used with "illegible;" any can be used as appropriate to the sentence.
Is Illegible a countable noun?
"Illegible" is an adjective, not a noun.
How many syllables are in Illegible?
There are four syllables.
What part of speech is Illegible?
It is an adjective.
What is another term for Illegible?
Unreadable, indecipherable.
What is the opposite of Illegible?
Legible.
Is Illegible a noun or adjective?
It's an adjective.
Is the Illegible term a metaphor?
Not by itself, but it can be used metaphorically in a broader context.
What is a stressed syllable in Illegible?
The stress is on the second syllable: "le."
Which determiner is used with Illegible?
No specific determiner is used with "illegible;" it depends on the context.
What is the second form of Illegible?
Adjectives don’t have multiple forms; it remains "illegible."
What is the third form of Illegible?
"Illegible" stays the same; it doesn’t have different forms.
How is Illegible used in a sentence?
"The hastily written note was completely illegible."
Is Illegible a vowel or consonant?
"Illegible" is a word, not a letter, so it's neither a vowel nor a consonant.
Is Illegible a collective noun?
No, it's an adjective.
What is the first form of Illegible?
"Illegible" is an adjective and doesn’t have forms like verbs do.
Is Illegible an abstract noun?
No, it's an adjective describing a quality, not a noun.
Is the word Illegible imperative?
No, it's an adjective, not a verb form.
How do we divide Illegible into syllables?
It's divided as il-le-gi-ble.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
