illiterate

English

Etymology

Recorded in English since 1556, from Latin illitteratus (“unlearned, ignorant”), itself from in- (“un-”) + litteratus (“furnished with letters”) (from littera (“letter, character”)).

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ɪˈlɪtəɹət/
  • Audio (US)(file)

Adjective

illiterate (comparative more illiterate, superlative most illiterate)

  1. Unable to read and write.
  2. Having less than an expected standard of familiarity with language and literature, or having little formal education.
  3. Not conforming to prescribed standards of speech or writing.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Derived terms

Translations
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Translations to be checked

See also

Noun

illiterate (plural illiterates)

  1. an illiterate person, one not able to read and write.

Synonyms

Translations

See also

References
  • “illiterate” in Douglas Harper, Online Etymology Dictionary, 2001–2019.
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