All 3 Uses of
illiterate
in
The American Language, by Mencken
- In all other countries the everyday speech of the people, and even the speech of the illiterate, have the constant attention of philologists, and the laws of their growth and variation are elaborately studied.†
*
- Among the first colonists there were many men of education, culture and gentle birth, but they were soon swamped by hordes of the ignorant and illiterate, and the latter, cut off from the corrective influence of books, soon laid their hands upon the language.†
- [11] During the presidential campaign of 1828 Jackson's enemies, seeking to prove his illiteracy, alleged that he used it for "oll korrect.†
Definition:
unable to read or write (not literate)
or:
uninformed in a particular field or general subject area
or:
uninformed in a particular field or general subject area
Note that "functional illiteracy" means that although one may be able to read or write a little, their ability is inadequate for normal requirements in their society.