What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nonliterate
Example
The tribe was nonliterate, but they had a rich oral tradition passed down from generation to generation. [nonliterate: adjective]
Example
The nonliterate community relied on storytelling and songs to preserve their history and culture. [nonliterate: adjective]
illiterate
Example
The illiterate woman struggled to fill out the job application because she could not read or write. [illiterate: adjective]
Example
Many adults in the village were illiterate and could not read the signs or labels in the market. [illiterate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Illiterate is more commonly used than nonliterate in everyday language, especially when referring to individuals who cannot read or write in any language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nonliterate and illiterate?
Both nonliterate and illiterate are generally considered formal words, but nonliterate may be more appropriate in academic or anthropological contexts due to its broader definition and neutral connotation.
