Uneducated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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uneducated
[หสnหษdสสหkeษชtษชd ]
Definitions
lack of formal education
Not having received a formal education or lacking knowledge in a particular subject.
Synonyms
ignorant, illiterate, uninformed.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| uneducated |
This word is appropriate for describing someone who has not had formal education. It does not inherently carry a negative connotation and focuses on lack of schooling.
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| ignorant |
This word is often used to describe someone who lacks knowledge or awareness in a specific area. It can have a negative connotation, implying a deliberate lack of effort to learn.
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| uninformed |
Use this word to describe someone who does not have the necessary information about a particular topic. It lacks the negative overtones of 'ignorant' and is more neutral.
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| illiterate |
This term is used specifically to indicate someone who cannot read or write. It clearly points to a lack of basic literacy skills.
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Examples of usage
- He was often criticized for his uneducated opinions on politics.
- Her uneducated background did not prevent her from pursuing her dreams.
lacking cultural refinement
Not possessing cultural or intellectual refinement.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| uneducated |
Refers to someone who has not received formal education or lacks certain levels of schooling. It is neutral and often used in discussing access to education or the necessity of educational reforms.
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| uncultured |
Used to describe someone who has not been exposed to the arts, literature, or other aspects of cultivated life. This word can carry a mildly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of sophistication or appreciation for higher cultural norms.
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| crude |
Describes a person who is rough in manners or speech, often lacking politeness or social norms. This term has a negative connotation and implies an absence of refinement or sophistication.
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| unrefined |
Indicates a lack of polish, sophistication, or gentleness in manners, taste, or appearance. It may imply that someone or something is raw, basic, or coarse.
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Examples of usage
- The uneducated behavior of the guests shocked the host.
- His uneducated taste in art was evident from his collection.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Social Science
- Uneducated individuals may have limited job opportunities, impacting economic mobility and overall well-being.
- Education levels are strongly correlated with civic engagement; uneducated people often have lower participation in elections and community activities.
- The stigma of being uneducated can affect a personโs self-esteem and how others perceive them.
Psychology
- Cognitive biases can occur in uneducated individuals due to a lack of exposure to diverse viewpoints.
- Uneducated people may rely more on intuition rather than analytical thinking, which can lead to misunderstandings or misconceptions.
- Educational background influences critical thinking skills; uneducated individuals may face challenges in evaluating information validity.
History
- Historically, access to education has been a privilege of the wealthy, leaving many uneducated, especially in earlier centuries.
- In some cultures, uneducated women faced severe limitations, unable to partake in societal roles outside the household.
- The establishment of public education systems in the 19th century aimed to reduce the number of uneducated individuals in society.
Literature
- Many literary works highlight the theme of education versus ignorance, showcasing uneducated characters often facing societal challenges.
- Classic characters like Huckleberry Finn reflect on societal norms and the consequences of being uneducated in a flawed world.
- Dystopian novels frequently depict uneducated societies falling prey to manipulation and control by those in power.
Origin of 'uneducated'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'un-', meaning 'not', and 'educated', which comes from the Latin word 'educare', meaning 'to bring up' or 'to rear'.
- Usage of 'uneducated' dates back to the early 19th century, capturing a sense of lack of formal schooling.
- The prefix 'un-' is a common element in English, used to create words that denote negation.
The word 'uneducated' originated in the late 16th century, combining the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'educated'. It has been used to describe individuals lacking formal education or cultural refinement. The term highlights the importance of learning and knowledge in society.
See also: educable, educated, educatedly, educating, education, educational, educator, educators.