Incomprehensible vs. Unintelligible

Attribute	Incomprehensible	Unintelligible
Definition	Not able to be understood or grasped	Not able to be understood or interpreted
Synonyms	Confusing, bewildering, mystifying	Unclear, cryptic, obscure
Usage	Often used to describe complex ideas or language	Often used to describe unclear speech or writing

Definition

When looking at the attributes of incomprehensible and unintelligible, it is important to first understand the definitions of these two terms. Incomprehensible refers to something that is difficult or impossible to understand or comprehend. It implies a lack of clarity or coherence in the information being presented. On the other hand, unintelligible refers to something that cannot be understood due to being unclear or confusing. It suggests a lack of intelligibility or coherence in the communication.

Clarity

One key attribute that sets incomprehensible apart from unintelligible is the level of clarity in the information being conveyed. Incomprehensible typically implies a higher degree of confusion or lack of understanding compared to unintelligible. When something is incomprehensible, it may be so convoluted or complex that it is nearly impossible to make sense of. On the other hand, something that is unintelligible may still have some semblance of coherence, but the message is obscured or difficult to decipher.

Communication

Another important aspect to consider when comparing incomprehensible and unintelligible is the impact on communication. Incomprehensible communication can lead to misunderstandings, confusion, and frustration among those involved. It can hinder effective communication and impede the exchange of ideas or information. Unintelligible communication, on the other hand, may still allow for some level of understanding, albeit with difficulty. While both can pose challenges in communication, incomprehensible communication is often more detrimental in terms of clarity and coherence.

Context

Context plays a significant role in determining whether something is incomprehensible or unintelligible. In some cases, a message may be incomprehensible to one person but intelligible to another, depending on their background knowledge or familiarity with the subject matter. Similarly, a message may be unintelligible due to language barriers or cultural differences. Understanding the context in which the communication is taking place is crucial in determining the level of comprehension or intelligibility of the message.

Impact

The impact of incomprehensible and unintelligible information can vary depending on the situation. Incomprehensible information may lead to confusion, frustration, and a breakdown in communication. It can hinder decision-making, problem-solving, and collaboration among individuals or groups. Unintelligible information, while still posing challenges, may be more easily clarified or understood with additional context or explanation. Both can have negative consequences, but incomprehensible information is often more difficult to rectify or make sense of.

Resolution

When faced with incomprehensible or unintelligible information, it is important to take steps to clarify and make sense of the message. This may involve asking for clarification, seeking additional information, or providing context to aid in understanding. Incomprehensible information may require more effort to decipher and comprehend, while unintelligible information may be clarified with further explanation or simplification. By actively addressing the confusion or lack of understanding, individuals can work towards resolving the issue and improving communication.