Definitions
- Describing handwriting or printing that is difficult to read due to being faded, smudged, or otherwise obscured. - Referring to text that has been damaged or altered in some way, making it hard to decipher. - Talking about a document or text that is so old or worn that the words have become illegible.
- Describing handwriting or printing that is impossible to read due to being too small, messy, or unclear. - Referring to text that is written in a language or script that the reader does not understand. - Talking about a document or text that has been intentionally obscured or encrypted to prevent reading.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe text that is difficult or impossible to read.
- 2Both words can be used to describe handwriting or printing.
- 3Both words can refer to documents or texts that are hard to decipher.
What is the difference?
- 1Cause: Untreadable implies that the text is difficult to read due to external factors such as damage, age, or wear and tear, while illegible suggests that the text is inherently unreadable due to poor handwriting, small font size, or an unfamiliar language or script.
- 2Degree: Illegible suggests that the text is completely unreadable, while untreadable implies that some parts of the text may still be legible despite the difficulty in reading it.
- 3Intention: Illegible can imply that the text was intentionally made unreadable, while untreadable does not carry this connotation.
- 4Scope: Untreadable is a broader term that can encompass various reasons why text may be difficult to read, while illegible specifically refers to text that is impossible to read due to its quality or content.
- 5Usage: Untreadable is less commonly used than illegible and may be considered more technical or specialized.
Remember this!
Untreadable and illegible are both words used to describe text that is difficult or impossible to read. However, untreadable implies that the text is hard to read due to external factors such as damage or age, while illegible suggests that the text is inherently unreadable due to poor handwriting, small font size, or an unfamiliar language or script. Additionally, illegible carries the connotation that the text was intentionally made unreadable, while untreadable does not.
