Definition

Someone who can read but chooses not to engage with reading materials or literature.

Example

Despite being aliterate, she has a vast knowledge of the world through other means.

Conversation

I read an article about people being aliterate.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

It refers to those who can read but just don't want to.

That’s interesting! I guess it happens more than we think.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Aliterate is formed from "a-" (meaning not) and "literatus" (from Latin, meaning educated or learned). The word describes someone who is not literate or lacks the ability to read and write.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('a-') being combined with 'educated' ('literatus') to remember that aliterate refers to someone who is not able to read or write.

Visually Confused Words