illiterate, ignorant

illiterate, ignorant
An illiterate person is someone unable to read. The term has been broadened to mean "unable to read or write." Somewhat loosely and inexactly, illiterate is now used also to mean not only "unlettered" but "lacking knowledge or culture" either in general or in some particular subject or area: "Because he was illiterate, he had to sign his name with an X." "Because the old woman was illiterate, the nurse had to read the letter to her." "I am a musically illiterate person." An ignorant person is one lacking in training or knowledge, either generally or in some particular subject: "Although an ignorant man can be dangerous, he is not to be despised or feared." "Trish considered herself ignorant in mathematics." Ignorant is a broader and more inclusive term than illiterate, but the latter is rapidly acquiring all the meanings of the former. Possible substitutes to avoid overusing either: untaught, uninstructed, uneducated, unlettered, uninformed, unaware. See also literate.

Dictionary of problem words and expressions. . 1975.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Ignorant — Ig no*rant, a. [F., fr. L. ignorans, antis, p. pr. of ignorare to be ignorant. See {Ignore}.] 1. Destitute of knowledge; uninstructed or uninformed; untaught; unenlightened. [1913 Webster] He that doth not know those things which are of use for… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • ignorant — See illiterate. See illiterate, ignorant …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • illiterate — See illiterate, ignorant See literate, illiterate …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • ignorant — ignorant, illiterate, unlettered, uneducated, untaught, untutored, unlearned mean not having knowledge. One is ignorant who is without knowledge, whether in general or of some particular thing {a very superficial, ignorant, unweighing fellow Shak …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • illiterate — [i lit′ər it] adj. [L illiteratus, unlettered: see IN 2 & LITERATE] 1. ignorant; uneducated; esp., not knowing how to read or write 2. having or showing limited knowledge, experience, or culture, esp. in some particular field [musically… …   English World dictionary

  • Illiterate — Il*lit er*ate, a. [L. illiteratus: pref. il not + literatus learned. See {In } not, and {Literal}.] Unable to read or write; ignorant of letters or books; unlettered; uninstructed; uneducated; as, an illiterate man, or people. Syn: Ignorant;… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • ignorant — [ig′nə rənt] adj. [OFr < L ignorans, prp. of ignorare: see IGNORE] 1. a) having little knowledge, education, or experience; uneducated; inexperienced b) lacking knowledge (in a particular area or matter) 2. caused by or showing lack of… …   English World dictionary

  • illiterate — (adj.) early 15c., uneducated, unable to read (originally of Latin), from L. illiteratus unlearned, unlettered, ignorant; without culture, inelegant, from assimilated form of in not, opposite of (see IN (Cf. in ) (1)) + literatus, lit. furnished… …   Etymology dictionary

  • illiterate — ► ADJECTIVE 1) unable to read or write. 2) ignorant in a particular subject or activity; politically illiterate. DERIVATIVES illiteracy noun illiterately adverb …   English terms dictionary

  • illiterate — adj unlettered, uneducated, untaught, *ignorant, untutored, unlearned Antonyms: literate Contrasted words: taught, instructed, educated, schooled (see TEACH) …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”