| Library / English Dictionary |
ILLITERATE
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
A person unable to read
Synonyms:
illiterate; illiterate person; nonreader
Classified under:
Hypernyms ("illiterate" is a kind of...):
ignoramus; know nothing; uneducated person (an ignorant person)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "illiterate"):
analphabet; analphabetic (an illiterate person who does not know the alphabet)
functional illiterate (a person with some ability to read and write but not enough for daily practical needs)
II. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Uneducated in the fundamentals of a given art or branch of learning; lacking knowledge of a specific field
Example:
he is musically illiterate
Synonyms:
ignorant; illiterate
Classified under:
Similar:
uneducated (not having a good education)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Lacking culture, especially in language and literature
Classified under:
Antonym:
literate (versed in literature; dealing with literature)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Not able to read or write
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
analphabetic; unlettered (having little acquaintance with writing)
functionally illiterate (having reading and writing skills insufficient for ordinary practical needs)
preliterate (not yet having acquired the ability to read and write)
semiliterate (barely able to read and write)
semiliterate (able to read but not to write)
Also:
uneducated (not having a good education)
Attribute:
literacy (the ability to read and write)
Antonym:
literate (able to read and write)
