Synonyms for

Literate

Verb / ˈlɪtɜ:ʌt / Another word for literate — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

able to read and write; having knowledge or skill in a specific field

Synonyms & similar words

illiterate literateperson educated knowledgeable learned scholarly well-read informed cultured erudite intellectual enlightened versed able competent proficient skilled expert accomplished trained experienced

Synonyms by register

Formal

educated learned erudite scholarly

Informal

savvy hip in the know clued-in

Literary

lettered well-read

Antonyms

illiterate unlettered uneducated ignorant unenlightened unschooled

Common collocations

  • digitally literate
  • financially literate
  • computer literate
  • media literate
  • literate society
  • highly literate
  • fully literate

Word family

noun literacy
verb literate
adjective literate
adverb literately

Usage note

While 'literate' traditionally meant able to read and write, it now commonly refers to proficiency in a specific area, such as 'computer literate' or 'financially literate'. The verb form 'to literate' is less common than the adjective.

Example sentences

  1. My dad is very literate and can read me bedtime stories every night.
  2. I am becoming more literate in math and can solve harder problems now.
  3. The librarian is very literate and can recommend great books to read.
  4. In order to get a good job, it's important to be literate in reading and writing.
  5. My teacher is very literate and can explain difficult concepts to us.

Quotes

  • A literate person is not one who can read and write, but one who reads and writes well. - Earl Nightingale
  • “Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.” - Kofi Annan
  • Once you learn to read, you will be forever free. - Frederick Douglass

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words