literacy

/ˈlɪɾərəsi/

/ˈlɪtərəsi/

Other forms: literacies

If you can read this sentence and write one of your own, you possess literacy.

In Latin, littera means "letter." Back in the day, a person who could read and write was described as lettered. Literacy can also mean having knowledge or ability in a more specific area. Since you bought grandma that laptop, her computer literacy has really improved: she just posted her newest exercise video.

Definitions of literacy

1. noun

   the ability to read and write
   antonyms:

   illiteracy

   an inability to read

   type of:

   accomplishment, acquirement, acquisition, attainment, skill

   an ability that has been acquired by training