'analphabet' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'analphabētos,' where 'an-' meant 'not' and 'alphabētos' meant 'alphabet.'

'analphabētos' transformed into the Late Latin word 'analphabetus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'analphabet.'

Initially, it meant 'not knowing the alphabet,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who cannot read or write.'