Definition

Describing a state or condition that exists after the decline of traditional reading and writing skills, often due to the rise of digital communication and media.

Example

In a postliterate society, people may rely more on visual and auditory information than on written text.

Conversation

Have you noticed how kids today seem so postliterate?

Yeah, they rely more on screens than books these days.

It's interesting how that changes the way they learn.

Definitely! I wonder what that will mean for the future.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Postliterate → It is formed from "post-" (meaning after) and "literate" (from Latin "literatus", meaning educated or able to read and write). The word "postliterate" refers to a state or condition that comes after the period of literacy, often implying a society or culture that has moved beyond traditional reading and writing.

Memory Tip

Think of 'post-' meaning 'after' and 'literate' meaning 'able to read and write'. This helps you remember that 'postliterate' refers to a time or condition that comes after literacy.

Visually Confused Words