previous / next
preliterate ~ illiterate
“Preliterate” (adjective) means ‘before writing came into use; not able to keep records of people and the events because writing was not known’,
a preliterate society (information was passed on from one generation to another by word of mouth, i.e. by elders telling stories to youngsters)
e.g.
Anthropologists find it difficult to tell us all about the preliterate peoples in the past because those people did not leave anything about themselves in writing, but they can tell us some little things by studying the preliterate drawings and sculptures.
____________________
“Illiterate” (adjective & noun) means ‘unable to read or write because one has not learned those language skills’,
e.g.
insensible ‘illiterate’ advertisement
The ad on this hoarding is not sensible because an illiterate person can’t read or write, but this ad invites the illiterates, who cannot read at all, to write for free help!
He is an illiterate. You can’t expect him to write his name and address on the form.
<<< Back to List P / Next presently ~ actually >>>
<<< Back to main page
About the Author:BC Kumar
BC Kumar, an English Language Teacher, taught in numerous countries including Ethiopia, Oman and India, shares his knowledge and passion for the English Language. Disclaimer: This is a free educational website and all content has been compiled by the author. All copyrights to images and videos belong to their respective owners.
