illiterate
UK[ɪˈlɪtərət]US[ɪˈlɪtərət]
adj
unable to read or write
adj
lacking knowledge in a specific field or subject
Morpheme Breakdown
il
literate
il
not
literate
able to read and write
Etymology
the word 'illiterate' is formed by combining the latin negative prefix 'in-' (which assimilates to 'il-' before 'l') with the adjective 'literate'. 'literate' itself derives from latin 'litteratus', meaning 'lettered' or 'educated', which is based on 'littera' (a letter of the alphabet). the literal construction 'not lettered' directly conveys the core meaning of being unable to read or write. over time, its usage expanded metaphorically to describe a lack of knowledge in any specialized area, maintaining the core logic of being unversed in its fundamental 'letters' or basics.
Analysis
Structure: il (not) + literate (able to read and write)
il (latin origin, a variant of 'in-' meaning 'not'), literate (latin origin, from 'litteratus' meaning 'learned, lettered')
Examples
the program aims to teach basic skills to illiterate adults.
he is musically illiterate and cannot read a single note.
many people are functionally illiterate when it comes to understanding financial documents.