ILLITERATE Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "illiterate" refers to an individual who lacks the ability to read and write proficiently. It is commonly used to describe someone who does not possess the necessary literacy skills to comprehend written texts and produce written communication effectively. Illiteracy can be a result of various factors, including a lack of access to education or educational resources, inadequate schooling, personal circumstances, or cognitive difficulties.
An illiterate person faces significant limitations in terms of participating fully in society and engaging with written information essential for everyday life. They may struggle with basic tasks such as filling out forms or reading instructions, leading to difficulties in employment, accessing healthcare, or engaging in civic responsibilities. Illiteracy can have profound impacts on an individual's ability to acquire knowledge, make informed decisions, and effectively communicate their ideas and thoughts.
It is important, however, to distinguish between basic literacy skills and functional literacy. While basic literacy refers to the foundational ability to read and write, functional literacy encompasses a broader range of communication skills needed to navigate society, ranging from critical thinking to digital literacy. Therefore, someone might possess basic literacy skills but still struggle with functional literacy, which limits their ability to fully engage with written materials in complex contexts.
In conclusion, the term "illiterate" describes an individual who lacks the necessary reading and writing skills needed for effective communication and engagement with written texts, making it difficult for them to fully participate in various aspects of society.
-
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for ILLITERATE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for ILLITERATE
Etymology of ILLITERATE
The word "illiterate" comes from the Latin word "illiteratus", which is derived from the combination of "in" (meaning "not") and "littera" (meaning "letter"). In Latin, "littera" referred to a written character, letter, or document. Over time, "illiterate" came to signify the inability to read or write, indicating the lack of knowledge or education in written language.
Similar spelling words for ILLITERATE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
