illiterate etymology

Etymology:

• "Ill-" (prefix): from Latin "in-" or "im-" meaning "not" or "lacking"
• "Literate" (adjective): from Latin "literatus" meaning "learned in letters or literature"

Meaning:

Illiterate means unable to read or write.

Origin:

The word illiterate first appeared in English in the late 14th century, as a borrowing from Old French "illitéré." The Old French word was itself derived from Latin "illiteratus," meaning "unlettered" or "uneducated."

Usage:

Illiteracy refers to a person who cannot read or write, typically due to lack of education or opportunity. It is often contrasted with literacy, which refers to the ability to read and write.

illiterate relate terms

• literate

  Etymology The word literate is derived from the Latin word litteratus which means

• letter

  Etymology The word letter originates from the Old French word lettre which is deriv

• illiteracy

  Etymology Illiteracy is derived from the Latin words Illiteratus unlettered In p

• illiterate

  Etymology Ill prefix from Latin in or im meaning not or lacking Litera