adjective

literate

literate, educated, knowledgeable

Only a small percentage of the population was literate.

Only a small percentage of the population was literate.

She is highly literate in the field of music.

She is highly literate in the field of music.

((to be)) literate (able to read and write) Only a small percentage of the population was literate.

((to be)) literate ((in sth.)) (knowledgeable about a subject) She is highly literate in the field of music.

Synonyms: educated, learned; Antonyms: illiterate, uneducated

From Latin 'litteratus' (educated, learned), which comes from 'littera' (letter).

Think of someone who knows their 'letters' – they are able to read and write.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.