literacy

Pronunciation: /ˈlɪtərəsi/

noun

Definition of literacy

literacy (noun): The ability to read and write

Example: Improving literacy rates is essential for economic development.

Best for: learners who already know "reading ability" or "education"; GRE Verbal (Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence); SAT Reading & Writing (Words in Context).

Synonyms for literacy

  • reading ability
  • education
  • learning

literacy in a Sentence

  1. Improving literacy rates is essential for economic development.

Why literacy Matters for GRE & SAT

"literacy" is a noun that means "The ability to read and write" closely related to words like "reading ability", "education", "learning". As a word starting with L, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.

On the GRE, understanding "literacy" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "literacy" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.

Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (noun). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "literacy" into long-term memory.

How to Remember literacy

One effective way to remember "literacy" (noun) is to group it with similar words you already know: "reading ability" and "education" and "learning". When you encounter "literacy" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "The ability to read and write".

Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "literacy" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.

  • label — A small piece of paper attached to an object giving information about it
  • labor — Physical or mental work; the workforce
  • laconic — economical with words; quiet and reserved
  • lambaste — scold, reprimand, or criticize harshly
  • lament — express deep sorrow or regret

More Vocabulary Words Starting with L

  • label — A small piece of paper attached to an object giving information about it
  • label — A small piece of paper attached to an object giving information about it
  • labor — Physical or mental work; the workforce
  • labor — Physical or mental work; the workforce
  • laconic — economical with words; quiet and reserved
  • laconic — economical with words; quiet and reserved
  • lambaste — scold, reprimand, or criticize harshly
  • lambaste — scold, reprimand, or criticize harshly
  • lament — express deep sorrow or regret
  • lament — express deep sorrow or regret