Words / B1

LIT-uh-r-uh-see/ˈlɪtərəsi/

Literacy is the ability to read and write: adult literacy; literacy rates; computer literacy / financial literacy (skill in a field). Illiteracy is the opposite. Reading is the activity; literacy is the skill level. Uncountable. Do not use literacy for speaking a language fluently — that is fluency. UK schools talk of literacy and numeracy.

Meaning

The ability to read and write; also skill with a type of information (computer literacy).

Examples

• “The charity runs evening classes to improve adult literacy.”
• “The library runs adult literacy classes on Wednesday evenings.”
• “Computer literacy is now expected even in warehouse roles.”

Good to know

adult literacy; literacy rates. Extended: computer / financial literacy. Opposite: illiteracy. Pair: numeracy. Uncountable.

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