semiliterate

adjective

semi·​lit·​er·​ate ˌse-mē-ˈli-tə-rət How to pronounce semiliterate (audio)
 also  -ˈli-trət,
ˌse-ˌmī-,
-mi-
1
a
: able to read and write on an elementary level
b
: able to read but unable to write
2
: having limited knowledge or understanding
semiliterate noun

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of semiliterate was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near semiliterate

Cite this Entry

“Semiliterate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semiliterate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on semiliterate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!