ENGLISH
REFERENCE

literacy

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈɫɪtɝəsi// UK //lˈɪtəɹəsi// lit·er·a·cy

n. the ability to read and write. It can also mean having a basic understanding of a specific subject, like computers or money.

n. the ability to read and write; more broadly, the possession of foundational knowledge or competence in a specific field.


SIMPLE

The government is working hard to improve adult literacy.

CONTEXTUAL

Digital literacy is now a requirement for almost every office job in the modern economy.

COMPLEX

While basic literacy remains a primary goal for developing nations, educators in the West are increasingly focused on information literacy to help students navigate a landscape of digital misinformation.

Antonyms
Origin

From literate + -cy.

Usage

Often modified by a specific field to indicate specialized knowledge, such as 'financial literacy' or 'media literacy'.

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