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The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

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 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

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illiterate

IPA:

How to pronounce illiterate (audio)

Dictionary definition of illiterate

Lacking the ability to read and write effectively or possessing minimal or no literacy skills.
"In some remote areas, people remain illiterate due to a lack of access to education."

Detailed meaning of illiterate

An illiterate person typically struggles with basic reading, writing, and comprehension, which can significantly limit their access to education, information, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Illiteracy can be a significant barrier to communication and learning, as it hinders an individual's ability to understand written text, express themselves in writing, or engage with written materials in daily life. Addressing illiteracy through education and literacy programs is crucial to empower individuals and enhance their quality of life, as literacy skills are fundamental to accessing knowledge, participating in society, and achieving personal goals.

Example sentences containing illiterate

1. The illiterate population faces significant challenges in today's digital world.
2. Illiterate individuals often struggle to fill out basic forms.
3. Literacy programs aim to empower illiterate adults with essential reading and writing skills.
4. She felt embarrassed about being illiterate and decided to enroll in adult education classes.
5. Illiterate parents may have difficulty helping their children with homework.
6. The illiterate workforce hinders economic development in many countries.

History and etymology of illiterate

The adjective 'illiterate' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'illiteratus,' which is a combination of 'il-' (meaning 'not') and 'litteratus' (meaning 'educated' or 'versed in literature'). In its original Latin form, 'illiteratus' referred to someone who lacked a formal education or knowledge of literature. As the term made its way into English, it retained the concept of lacking education or literacy skills. 'Illiterate' describes individuals who are unable to read and write effectively or who possess minimal or no literacy skills. It emphasizes the absence of education and the inability to engage with written language. Therefore, the etymology of 'illiterate' underscores its use as an adjective to depict someone as lacking the fundamental skills of reading and writing, often due to a lack of formal education.

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Further usage examples of illiterate

1. Illiteracy rates have been steadily declining thanks to educational initiatives.
2. The illiterate man relied on others to read his mail.
3. He was determined to break the cycle of illiteracy in his family.
4. Illiterate individuals are at a disadvantage when it comes to finding employment.
5. Reading can open up new worlds for illiterate individuals.
6. Illiterate adults often have lower self-esteem due to their limited abilities.
7. The illiterate woman felt isolated because she couldn't communicate through writing.
8. Illiteracy can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications.
9. Illiterate populations are more vulnerable to exploitation.
10. Efforts to eradicate illiteracy are crucial for societal progress.
11. Illiterate adults may struggle with basic arithmetic as well.
12. Many organizations provide free literacy resources for illiterate adults.
13. The illiterate boy eagerly attended school to learn how to read and write.
14. Illiterate communities benefit from initiatives that promote education.
15. Illiterate farmers often face challenges in understanding modern agricultural practices.
16. Illiteracy is a global issue that requires collective efforts to address.

ACT 11 (American College Testing), Embarrassment and Discomfort, Education and Mastery

ignorant

analphabetic,benighted,nonliterate,uneducated,uninformed,uninitiated,uninstructed,unlearned,unlettered,unread,unschooled,untrained,untutored

Synonyms for illiterate

analphabetic
benighted
nonliterate
uneducated
uninformed
uninitiated
uninstructed
unlearned
unlettered
unread
unschooled
untrained
untutored

Quiz categories containing illiterate

uneducated, literate, educated, knowledgeable

eb68db_e616ae48275e4e7e8dbf3f4149c12cd6.mp3

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