C1noun 2K

Literacy

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈlɪtərəsi/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈlɪtərəsi/"]/

Meaning of Literacy

the ability to read and write

In simple words: The ability to read and write.

Literacy in a sentence

• a campaign to promote adult literacy
• basic **literacy skills**
• Most of the students here need help with **literacy and numeracy**.
• All the children are tested in basic literacy.
• Literacy rates are lower among people from the poorer income groups.
• Standards of literacy are slowly rising in the 5–8 age group.
• **financial/health literacy**
• We’re looking to hire an assistant with a high level of **digital literacy**.

How to use Literacy

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Appropriate when discussing education, skills, or societal issues. Avoid using it in very casual conversations where simpler terms could suffice.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'literature' and 'ability' — literacy is the ability to understand literature.

Related words

Collocations with Literacy

• basic
• adult
• mass
• achieve
• acquire
• develop
• campaign
• initiative
• programme/​program

Synonyms for Literacy

• reading ability
• writing skills
• education
• knowledge
• comprehension

Opposites of Literacy

• illiteracy
• inability
• ignorance

Common mistakes with Literacy

• Confused with 'illiteracy' which means not being able to read and write.
• Using it only in the context of reading, instead of reading and writing.
• Mispronouncing it as 'lit-eracy' instead of 'lit-er-a-cy'.

Frequently asked questions about Literacy

What does Literacy mean?

The ability to read and write.

What is the definition of Literacy?

the ability to read and write

How do you use Literacy in a sentence?

a campaign to promote adult literacy

Can you give another example of Literacy?

basic **literacy skills**

What are synonyms for Literacy?

Common alternatives include reading ability, writing skills, education, knowledge, comprehension.

What is the opposite of Literacy?

Opposite meanings include illiteracy, inability, ignorance.

What words go with Literacy?

It commonly pairs with basic, adult, mass, achieve, acquire, develop, campaign, initiative, programme/​program.

What are common mistakes when using Literacy?

Confused with 'illiteracy' which means not being able to read and write. Using it only in the context of reading, instead of reading and writing. Mispronouncing it as 'lit-eracy' instead of 'lit-er-a-cy'.

How do you pronounce Literacy?

US: /["/ˈlɪtərəsi/"]/, UK: /["/ˈlɪtərəsi/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Literacy?

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Appropriate when discussing education, skills, or societal issues. Avoid using it in very casual conversations where simpler terms could suffice.

What CEFR level is Literacy?

"Literacy" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.