Illiterate
/ɪˈlɪtərət/
Definitions
2 meaningsUnable to read or write.
/ɪˈlɪtərət/
Many adults in developing countries are still illiterate.
💡 Simply: Imagine you can't read a sign or write a letter because you never learned how. That's what it means to be illiterate! Like if you went to a restaurant but couldn't read the menu.
👶 For kids: Someone who can't read or write is illiterate.
More Examples
The project aimed to teach illiterate farmers how to read and write.
She felt ashamed of being illiterate, so she hid it from her friends.
How It's Used
"The government is working to reduce the rate of illiterate adults in the country."
"Illiterate populations often face significant social and economic disadvantages."
Lacking knowledge about a particular subject; ignorant.
/ɪˈlɪtərət/
Lacking knowledge about a particular subject.
Many people in the older generation are computer illiterate.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, people are 'illiterate' about things other than reading. For example, someone could be computer illiterate and not know how to use a computer!
👶 For kids: You can also be illiterate about something else, like computers or music.
More Examples
I am completely film-illiterate when it comes to understanding the plot of certain movies.
She considers herself financially illiterate, which makes her uncomfortable with investments.
How It's Used
"He was computer-illiterate and struggled with basic software."
"Many art historians are historically music-illiterate."
From Latin *illiteratus* 'unlettered, ignorant', from *in-* 'not' + *litteratus* 'literate'.
Used since the 16th century, often to describe the lack of education among common people.
Memory tip
Imagine the letter 'L' crossed out, representing the lack of literacy.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: in- (not) + litteratus (literate)