Words / C1

LIT-uh-r-uh-t/ˈlɪtərət/

Literate means able to read and write, or competent in a field: computer-literate, scientifically literate. Literacy (already in the dictionary) is the noun. Illiterate is the opposite. Literary is “of literature” — a mix-up. Do not call a fluent speaker literate if they cannot read the form you handed them.

Meaning

Able to read and write; also competent in a field (computer-literate).

Examples

• “A literate abstract still needs a methods paragraph a peer can run.”
• “Literacy is the noun (already in the dictionary). Illiterate is the opposite. Literary criticism is books. Numeracy is the number twin. Field-literate (data-literate) is C1 extension, not a boast after one workshop.”

Good to know

Able to read; also competent in a field. Noun: literacy. Opposite: illiterate. Mix-up: literary (of literature). Speech ≠ reading.

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