literate

[lit-er-it]

adjective

1. able to read and write.

2. having or showing knowledge of literature, writing, etc.; literary; well-read.

3. characterized by skill, lucidity, polish, or the like.

   His writing is literate but cold and clinical.

   Synonyms: knowledgeable, well-informed

4. having knowledge or skill in a specified field.

   Is she computer literate? The boss needs a computer‑literate assistant.

5. having an education; educated.

   Synonyms: knowledgeable, well-informed

noun

1. a person who can read and write.

2. a learned person.

literate

/ ˈlɪtərɪt /

adjective

1. able to read and write

2. educated; learned

3. used to words rather than numbers as a means of expression Compare numerate

noun

1. a literate person

Other Word Forms

• literately adverb
• antiliterate adjective
• antiliterately adverb
• unliterate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of literate¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin līterātus, litterātus learned, scholarly. See letter ¹, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of literate¹

C15: from Latin litterātus learned. See _letter

Example Sentences

"I am a blue badge holder and I have to pay because I am not computer literate," he says, arguing that "you have to jump through hoops to get this discount".

From BBC

"This was a literate, urban society where people had separate spaces for habitation, burial practices and industrial work," Mr Kumar says, noting it's the first large, well-defined ancient urban settlement found in southern India.

From BBC

"It's plain from looking at the letters that whoever made the die wasn't literate, the letters don't bear much resemblance to Latin - they're garbage really," he explained.

From BBC

"He realised more people were getting literate, which was then good for publicity," Dave said.

From BBC

“Made me laugh ... and continue to worry. It appeals to the literate.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cultured 
• educated 
• knowledgeable