numerate

American  

[noo-muh-reyt, nyoo-, noo-mer-it, nyoo-] / ˈnu məˌreɪt, ˈnyu-, ˈnu mər ɪt, ˈnyu- /

verb (used with object)

numerated, numerating

1. to represent numbers by symbols.

2. enumerate.

---

adjective

1. able to use or understand numerical techniques of mathematics.

numerate British  

adjective

1. able to use numbers, esp in arithmetical operations Compare literate

---

verb

1. to read (a numerical expression)

2. a less common word for enumerate

Other Word Forms

• numeracy noun
• renumerate verb (used with object)
• unnumerated adjective

Etymology

Origin of numerate

1400–50; late Middle English: counted, numbered < Latin numerātus (past participle of numerāre to number ), equivalent to numer- number + -ātus -ate ¹

Explanation

To numerate is to count, number, or list. You might numerate your ten New Year's resolutions, starting with number one. As a verb, numerate is often used as a less-common synonym for enumerate, "to name in a list." You can also use this word as an adjective to mean "fluent in understanding numbers." If you're literate, you can read, and if you're numerate, you can count, add, subtract, and generally use numbers. The Latin root word is numerus, "a number."

Example Sentences

Improvements in K-14 education to get every child literate, numerate, graduating from high school and, where possible, into at least community college, the military or technical training.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 9, 2024

He said the new qualification would ensure children leave school "literate and numerate".

From BBC • Oct. 4, 2023

But Danish workers at the 20th percentile are high school graduates who are literate and numerate.

From New York Times • May 8, 2020

Here are a few things you can do to help yourself become more numerate — and more likely improve your financial and physical health.

From Washington Post • Sep. 27, 2019

Of course, this aspect of mathematics isn’t very well known even to the numerate, since it’s necessary to have some mathematical ideas first before you can play around with them.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos