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Unlettered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unlettered

[สŒnหˆlษ›tษ™rd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

inexperienced

Not having been taught to read or write; illiterate.

Synonyms

ignorant, illiterate, uneducated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unlettered

Mostly used in a formal setting to describe someone who lacks education in reading and writing. It can have a slightly old-fashioned tone.

  • The unlettered villagers needed someone to help them understand the legal documents
illiterate

Used to specifically describe someone who is unable to read or write. It is a straightforward term without necessarily implying a lack of intelligence.

  • Despite being illiterate, she managed to run a successful business
uneducated

Describes someone who has not received formal schooling or education. This term is often used in discussions about social or economic disadvantage.

  • Many uneducated people in the region struggle to find jobs
ignorant

Often used to describe someone lacking knowledge or awareness in a specific area. This term can carry a negative connotation.

  • He was ignorant of the customs of the country he was visiting

Examples of usage

  • Despite being unlettered, she had a natural talent for storytelling.
  • Many unlettered individuals struggle to find employment in today's society.
Context #2 | Adjective

lacking knowledge

Lacking knowledge or education; ignorant.

Synonyms

ignorant, uneducated, uninformed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unlettered

This word is often used to describe someone who lacks formal education or literacy. It might emphasize the inability to read or write.

  • The unlettered villagers relied on oral traditions to pass down their history
uneducated

This word describes someone who has not received formal education. It can be neutral or slightly negative depending on the context.

  • Many uneducated adults are determined to improve their literacy skills
ignorant

This term is generally used to refer to someone who lacks knowledge or awareness in a particular area. It often carries a negative connotation, implying that the person could be informed but isnโ€™t.

  • He made an ignorant comment about the culture, showing how little he actually knew
uninformed

Use this term to describe someone who doesn't have the information or knowledge about a specific subject. It is typically less negative than 'ignorant'.

  • Due to a lack of access to news, the community was largely uninformed about current events

Examples of usage

  • His unlettered opinions on the subject were quickly dismissed by experts.
  • The unlettered workforce faced challenges in adapting to new technology.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, literacy rates have significantly varied across different cultures, with the unlettered often being marginalized.
  • The invention of printing in the 15th century began a slow shift that increased literacy, reducing the number of unlettered individuals in Europe.
  • In the 19th century, education reform movements sought to elevate literacy rates, aiming to decrease the unlettered population.

Literature

  • In classic literature, unlettered characters often symbolize innocence or simplicity, contrasting with educated individuals.
  • Famous authors like Mark Twain have portrayed unlettered characters to highlight societal issues surrounding literacy and class disparities.
  • Poets like William Carlos Williams have used themes of literacy and education to critique modern society, suggesting that being unlettered can imply deeper wisdom.

Education

  • Today, UNESCO defines literacy as not merely knowing how to read and write but being able to use that knowledge in daily life.
  • There are still millions of people worldwide who are classified as unlettered, particularly in developing countries, impacting their job opportunities.
  • Initiatives aimed at reducing illiteracy focus on education programs that empower adults and children to become lettered.

Psychology

  • Research shows that literacy can significantly affect cognitive development, enabling better problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Being unlettered can impact self-esteem and social status, leading to potential social isolation.
  • Psychological studies indicate that literacy can influence personal agency and empowered decision-making in individuals' lives.

Origin of 'unlettered'

Main points about word origin

  • The word is formed by adding 'un-' (meaning 'not') to 'lettered', which comes from the word 'letter', indicating reading and writing skills.
  • It has roots in Middle English, where the term was used to describe individuals without education or literacy.
  • In many languages, similar constructs exist, using prefixes to indicate the absence of literacy.

The term 'unlettered' originated from Middle English 'unletered', meaning 'illiterate'. It has been used since the 15th century to describe individuals who lack formal education or literacy skills. Over time, 'unlettered' has evolved to encompass a broader sense of lacking knowledge or expertise in a particular subject.

See also: lettering, letters.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,540, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.