analphabetism
|an-al-pha-be-tism|
🇺🇸
/ˌænˈælfəbəˌtɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˌænˈælfəbətɪzəm/
inability to read or write
Etymology
'analphabetism' originates from French, specifically the word 'analphabétisme,' where the prefix 'an-' meant 'not' and 'alphabet' referred to the set of letters used in writing.
'analphabétisme' was borrowed into English as 'analphabetism' in the 19th century, and eventually became the modern English word 'analphabetism.'
Initially, it meant 'the state of not knowing the alphabet,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the state of being unable to read or write.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state of being unable to read or write; illiteracy.
Analphabetism remains a challenge in some rural areas.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/28 23:36