How to Pronounce Illiterate

To pronounce "illiterate", say ILL-it-er-at-e — 5 syllables, IPA /ɪˈlɪtəɹət/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

illiterate

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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5

Syllables

10

Letters

/ɪˈlɪtəɹət/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “illiterate”

"illiterate" has 5 syllables: ill-it-er-at-e. It rhymes with literate, if that helps it stick.

What does illiterate mean?

noun

  1. An illiterate person, one not able to read and write.
  2. A person ignorant about a given subject.

    “The government is run by business illiterates.”

adjective

  1. Unable to read and write.
  2. Having less than an expected standard of familiarity with language and literature, or having little formal education.

Synonyms

analphabetanalphabeticignorantunlettered

Antonyms

literate

Words that rhyme with illiterate

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

literate

Related words

preliteratesemiliterateunletteredanalphabeticignorantuneducatedilliteracyill-informed

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "illiterate"?▾

"Illiterate" has 5 syllables: ill · it · er · at · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "illiterate"?▾

The IPA transcription of "illiterate" is /ɪˈlɪtəɹət/.

What does "illiterate" mean?▾

Illiterate: An illiterate person, one not able to read and write.

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