illiterate

noun

An illiterate person, one either not able to read and write or not knowing how.

A person ignorant about a given subject. (The relevant subject is usually named as a noun adjunct.)

adjective

Unable to read and write.

Having less than an expected standard of familiarity with language and literature, or having little formal education.

Not conforming to prescribed standards of speech or writing.

Ignorant in a specified way or about a specified subject.

Roots

inil- · Latin · not littera-liter · Latin · letter

Synonyms for illiterate

ignorantadj uneducatedadj unletteredadj ignoramusn unschooledadj untaughtadj uninstructedadj unenlightenedadj unculturedadj untutoredadj unlearnedadj

Synonyms & related words for illiterate

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of illiterate — including ignorant, uneducated, unlettered, ignoramus, unschooled, untaught. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to illiterate

Explore words related to illiterate — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include illiterately, analphabetic, illiterateness, semiliterate, nonreader, preliterate, innumerate, undereducated. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for illiterate

Common synonyms for illiterate include ignorant, uneducated, unlettered, ignoramus, unschooled, untaught, uninstructed, unenlightened — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does illiterate come from?

The word illiterate breaks down into 2 roots of Latin origin: il-, from Latin in (“not”); and -liter, from Latin littera (“letter”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.