literacy
Americannoun
-
the ability to read and write
-
the ability to use language proficiently
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of literacy
First recorded in 1880–85; liter(ate) + -acy
Explanation
If you can read this sentence and write one of your own, you possess literacy. In Latin, littera means "letter." Back in the day, a person who could read and write was described as lettered. Literacy can also mean having knowledge or ability in a more specific area. Since you bought grandma that laptop, her computer literacy has really improved: she just posted her newest exercise video.
Vocabulary lists containing literacy
Power Suffix: -acy
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This Week in Words: September 8 - 14, 2018
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
These questions are crucial for financial literacy, especially for new shareholders.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026
Many Americans lack financial literacy, so it’s important now more than ever for advisers to double as effective educators.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 23, 2026
Brychan's view is that a focus on literacy and numeracy has been "lost in the noise" of reforms.
From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026
While the literacy advocate has been increasingly candid about his mental health battles through his social media accounts and in interviews, it has not been a regular topic on “Reading Rainbow.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026
But even to pose that question is to illustrate the gap between ancient perspectives and our own expectations of mass literacy.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
