What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
analphabetic
Example
The rural community had a high percentage of analphabetic adults. [analphabetic: adjective]
Example
She struggled with filling out the form due to being analphabetic. [analphabetic: noun]
illiterate
Example
He was illiterate in English, so he struggled to understand the instructions. [illiterate: adjective]
Example
The government launched a campaign to reduce the number of illiterate adults in the country. [illiterate: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Illiterate is more commonly used than analphabetic in everyday language. Illiterate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while analphabetic is less common and refers to a complete inability to read or write in any language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between analphabetic and illiterate?
Analphabetic can be seen as more formal or technical than illiterate, which is more commonly used in everyday language. Both words can be used in formal and informal contexts, but analphabetic may be more appropriate in academic or technical writing.
