Definition of literate

The word "literate" comes from the Latin word "literatus," meaning "educated" or "cultivated in letters." During the Middle Ages, the word was used to describe individuals who could read and write, as literacy was closely tied to one's ability to read religious texts. In medieval Europe, literacy was almost exclusively reserved for the clergy and the wealthy, as education was expensive and mostly provided through the church. As a result, the vast majority of the population (over 90%) was illiterate. The spread of printing with the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century improved literacy rates, as text became more widely available and less expensive to produce. As literacy became more common, "literate" began to take on its modern meaning, describing someone who can read and write to some degree. Today, literacy rates vary widely around the world, with many countries still struggling with significant illiteracy. According to UNESCO, there are approximately 771 million illiterate adults around the world, the majority of whom are women. Despite these challenges, efforts to promote literacy, such as government programs and non-profit initiatives, are helping to increase literacy rates in many parts of the world.