How to pronounce literate
Say it like LIT-uh-rut. Literate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce literate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LIT
- uh
- rut
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Literate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rutKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of literate
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: LIT-uh-rut.
What does literate mean?
- Able to read and write; having literacy.
- Knowledgeable in literature, writing; literary; well-read.
- Which is used in writing (of a language or dialect).
- A person who is able to read and write.
Where does literate come from?
Displaced native Old English stæfwīs.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying literate
How do you pronounce literate?
Say LIT-uh-rut. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɪtərət/. In British English it is /ˈlɪtərət/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in literate?
Literate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIT). Broken into parts: LIT · uh · rut.
Is literate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈlɪtərət/ (LIT-uh-rut).