literate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a person who can read and write
    literate person.
  2. adjective able to read and write
  3. adjective versed in literature; dealing with literature
  4. adjective satellite knowledgeable and educated in one or several fields
    • computer literate

WordNet

Lit"er*ate adjective
Etymology
L. litteratus, literatus. See Letter.
Definitions
  1. Instructed in learning, science, or literature; learned; lettered.
    The literate now chose their emperor, as the military chose theirs. Landor.
Lit"er*ate noun
Definitions
  1. One educated, but not having taken a university degree; especially, such a person who is prepared to take holy orders. Eng.
  2. A literary man.

Webster 1913