preliterate

[ pree-lit-er-it ]

adjective

, Anthropology.

1. lacking a written language; nonliterate:

   a preliterate culture.

2. occurring before the development or use of writing.

preliterate

/ priːˈlɪtərɪt; priːˈlɪtərəsɪ /

adjective

1. relating to a society that has not developed a written language

Derived Forms

• preliteracy, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of preliterate¹

First recorded in 1920–25; pre- + literate

Related Words

• crude
• rough
• rudimentary
• simple
• uncivilized