Illiterate

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɪˈlɪtəɹət/

Origin

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

Full definition of illiterate

Adjective

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

• ignorant
• unlettered

Antonyms

• literate

Derived terms

• illiteracy
• illiterately
• illiterateness

Noun

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