noun
Common
literacy
LIH-tuh-ruh-see
Literacy (noun) means the ability to read and write. Example: “Improving literacy in the village helped more people find better jobs.”
noun
1
The ability to read and write.
"Improving literacy in the village helped more people find better jobs."
"Her grandfather's lack of literacy never stopped him from running a successful shop."
"The charity runs literacy programs for adults who never learned to read."
2
A basic working knowledge of a particular subject.
"Financial literacy means knowing how to budget and avoid debt."
"The course aims to build basic scientific literacy in everyone who takes it."
"Schools are now expected to teach digital literacy alongside reading and math."
How to use literacy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing able to read and write, or having a solid grasp of a specific skill or subject area.
Common pairings
adult literacy
digital literacy
financial literacy
literacy rate
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Word forms
- Plural
- literacies
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Etymology
Formed from literate plus the suffix -cy, on the pattern of words like accuracy.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for literacy
See all rhymes for literacy →Frequently asked questions
What does “literacy” mean?
The word “literacy” means the ability to read and write. In plain terms, being able to read and write, or having a solid grasp of a specific skill or subject area.
How do you pronounce “literacy”?
“Literacy” is pronounced LIH-tuh-ruh-see (/ˈlɪtəɹəsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “literacy” in a sentence?
Here is “literacy” used in a sentence: “The charity runs literacy programs for adults who never learned to read.”
What is the opposite of “literacy”?
The opposite of “literacy” — its antonyms — is illiteracy.
What part of speech is “literacy”?
“Literacy” is a noun.
Is “literacy” a common word?
“Literacy” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “literacy” have?
“Literacy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the ability to read and write.
What is the difference between literacy and numeracy?
Literacy is the ability to read and write, dealing with words and text. Numeracy is the parallel ability to understand and work with numbers, so the two terms are often paired to describe basic educational skills.
What is the difference between literacy and illiteracy?
Literacy is the ability to read and write, while illiteracy is the lack of that ability. The prefix "il-" reverses the meaning, so a population's literacy rate and illiteracy rate describe the same group from opposite sides.
What do "digital literacy" and "financial literacy" refer to?
These phrases use literacy in its second sense: a basic working knowledge of a subject. "Digital literacy" means competence with computers and the internet, and "financial literacy" means a practical understanding of money and finance.
What is the difference between literacy and fluency?
Literacy is the basic ability to read and write, whereas fluency describes ease and smoothness, usually in speaking or using a language. Someone can be literate in a language without being fluent when speaking it.
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