literate
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.able to read and write in at least one language.
adj.possessing the ability to read and write. The term is often used in statistical or developmental contexts regarding populations.
Simple“The government launched a new program to ensure every child is literate by age ten.”
In context“In the early twentieth century, the percentage of the population that was fully literate remained significantly lower in rural districts compared to urban centers.”
SynonymseducatedletteredAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.having knowledge or skills in a specific area, like computers or science.
adj.demonstrating competence or knowledge in a specific area of expertise. Often used in compound forms like 'computer-literate'.
Simple“In today's job market, it is essential to be digitally literate.”
In context“The modern workforce must be financially literate to navigate the complexities of private pension schemes and investment options.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
adj.having read many books and knowing a lot about literature.
adj.possessing a high degree of culture or learning, especially regarding literature and the arts.
Simple“He was a highly literate man who could quote poetry from memory.”
In context“Her prose is remarkably literate, filled with subtle allusions to classical mythology and nineteenth-century philosophy.”
Antonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
n.a person who has the ability to read and write.
n.a person who is able to read and write. Often used in the plural when discussing demographic groups.
Simple“The census showed a sharp increase in the number of literates in the region.”
In context“The transition from a society of oral tradition to one of literates fundamentally altered how legal contracts were enforced.”
Antonyms - 05 C2 Proficiency
n.a person in the past who was educated but did not have a university degree.
n.a person who was educated but had not taken a university degree, particularly in the context of candidates for holy orders.
Simple“In the 19th century, a literate could still be ordained in some dioceses.”
In context“The bishop was known for his willingness to ordain literates, provided they demonstrated sufficient theological understanding despite their lack of a formal degree.”
“However, learning to use an AI system is not the same as becoming AI literate.”
Inherited from Middle English litterate, borrowed from Latin lītterātus, līterātus, see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) and -ate (noun-forming suffix). Doublet of literato and literatus. Displaced native Old English stæfwīs.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.