literacy English · revision 15196

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1883}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈlɪtəɹəsi/, /ˈlɪtɹəsi/ ''(UK)''; /ˈlɪtəɹəsi/, /ˈlɪtɹəsi/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[af|en|literate|-cy]],^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) on the pattern of the older [[illiteracy]].^(NODE 1998)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ The ability to read and write: 1883 in the OED and Etymonline;^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) Merriam-Webster dates it to 1880.^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The negative illiteracy is much older, from the 17th century.^(Etymonline) A wider sense, competence or knowledge in a particular area (as in ''computer literacy''), and the ability to use language well are in modern dictionaries.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 17th century – illiteracy.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1880 – literacy (Merriam-Webster).^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1883 – literacy (OED).^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # The ability to read and write.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # The ability to use [[language]] well; knowledge or [[competence]] in a particular field.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[aliteracy]]

+ * [[computer literacy]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[letter]]

+ * [[literal]]

+ * [[literary]]

+ * [[literate]]

+ * [[literature]]

+ * [[numeracy]]

+ * [[illiteracy]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}