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be illiterate

[bi ɪˈlɪtərət]
verb phrase
ser analfabeto
1. to be unable to read or write
Many people in developing countries be illiterate due to lack of education.
Muitas pessoas em países em desenvolvimento são analfabetas devido à falta de educação.
2. to lack knowledge or understanding in a particular field
He be illiterate when it comes to technology and computers.
Ele é analfabeto quando se trata de tecnologia e computadores.
Synonyms
be unable to readbe uneducatedlack literacybe unlettered
Antonyms
be literatebe educatedbe well-readhave literacy skills

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser analfabeto
most common usage
São Paulo
ser analfabeto
standard usage
Portugal
ser analfabeto
standard usage; may also use 'ser iletrado'

Related Idioms & Phrases

functionally illiterate
be illiterate in a subject
computer illiterate
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