readable

adj

Etymology: Etymology tree English read Proto-Indo-European *-tḗr Proto-Indo-European *-dʰlom Proto-Indo-European *-dʰlis Proto-Italic *-ðlis Latin -bilis Latin -ābilis Old French -ablebor. Middle English -able English -able English readable From read + -able.

1. Legible, possible to read or at least decipher.

   “If that sign were still readable we'd know where we are!”

2. Which can be read—i.e. accessed or played—by a certain technical type of device.

   “No sale, those aren't readable with my DVD-player!”

3. Enjoyable to read, of an acceptable stylistic quality or at least functionally composed.

   “These assembly instructions aren't readable, I still don't have a clue how to start!”

   “I have been twice at the Museum looking out for Friedrich Books,—that I might examine them a little, and see whether they were worth buying. […] I have got a rather curious new German Book upon Naples and Masaniello (chiefly) whh often made me remember you. To one who knows the streets edifices &c the thing may be readabler: I mean to send it you to Scotsbg the day after tomorrow, along with my Mother’s Magazine.”