Definitions
- Referring to a person who has not received formal education or lacks knowledge in a particular subject. - Describing a lack of knowledge or awareness about a specific topic or field. - Talking about a person who has not completed high school or college education.
- Referring to a person who cannot read or write. - Describing a lack of basic literacy skills, such as reading, writing, and comprehension. - Talking about a person who has not received any formal education or has dropped out of school.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a lack of education or knowledge.
- 2Both words can be used to describe a person's educational background or level of literacy.
- 3Both words can have negative connotations when used to describe a person.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Uneducated refers to a lack of education or knowledge in a specific subject or field, while illiterate specifically refers to a lack of basic literacy skills.
- 2Level: Illiterate implies a more severe lack of education than uneducated, as it suggests a person cannot read or write at all.
- 3Connotation: Illiterate has a more negative connotation than uneducated, as it implies a lack of basic skills that are necessary for functioning in society.
- 4Usage: Uneducated can be used to describe a person who has not completed high school or college education, while illiterate is typically used to describe a person who lacks basic literacy skills.
- 5Context: Uneducated can be used in a broader range of contexts than illiterate, which is usually reserved for discussions about literacy and education.
Remember this!
Uneducated and illiterate are both words used to describe a lack of education or knowledge. However, uneducated refers to a lack of education or knowledge in a specific subject or field, while illiterate specifically refers to a lack of basic literacy skills. Illiterate has a more negative connotation than uneducated, as it implies a severe lack of basic skills necessary for functioning in society.