liter-

To the letter; precisely; exactly: Jason instructed his secretary to retype the letter ad litteram or word for word as it was given to her.

To show or to repeat an initial sound, usually a consonant, in two or more words of a phrase, a line of poetry, etc.: Here are two examples of how the writer alliterated interesting phrases: What a tale of terror which their turbulency tells!

A fair field full of fine folks.

Two or more words that have the same initial sound or sounds that occur in a phrase or a line: While Henry was going for a walk, he thought up a couple of examples of alliterations: a babbling brook in the wild and woody area.

A reference to the same reoccurring consonant at the beginning of each syllable: Here are examples of alliterative names: Molly Mason, Jason Jaden, Chris Chris, and William Williams.

Another well-known alliterative line is "Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers" which appeared in a poem, The Castle of Indolence, written in 1748 by James Thomson, a Scottish poet.

Descriptive of how the same letters, or sounds, are used at the beginning of adjoining words or closely connected words: The author, Mr. Thomas, wrote the following two sentences alliteratively: "The sun sank slowly." and "There was a babbling brook."

Someone whose reading and writing abilities are inadequately developed to meet everyday needs: A functional illiterate does not have the skill to manage daily living and employment tasks which require reading skills beyond the basic level.

A functional illiterate can also be a foreigner who is not able to read or write in the native language where he or she lives.

The level of skill in reading and writing that an individual needs to cope with everyday life: Max, whose native language was German, achieved the standard of functional literacy in California after completing college and language tests in English, and could then apply for a position in the firm of his choice.

A reference to stuttering or substituting one letter for another one in pronouncing words: Mr. Stewart had to prepare carefully for his speech because he had a tendency of being heteroliteral and stumbling over his words or faltering while saying his sentences.

1. A lack of the ability to read and to write: It cannot be underestimated that illiteracy is not only prevalent among the younger generation, but also found in adults who have chosen ways to hide this handicap.

June found it most difficult to find a job in shops or stores because of her illiteracy and not being able to decipher the writing on the packages she would have to place on the shelves for the customers.
2. The circumstance of not having any or enough education: Jim was told that the mistakes he made in writing or speaking were the results his illiteracy.

1. Someone who is unable to read or write: Susan was an illiterate who did not know the alphabet, let alone competent enough to peruse the contents of a text.
2. Anyone who has or demonstrates having very little or no education: In some parts of the world there are many illiterates who have had little or no formal or proper schooling.

Descriptive of how someone is not able to read or to write: Caren had very little formal education because of her mental ailments which resulted in her being illiterately ignorant when speaking or reading.

A limited knowledge, experience, or culture, especially in some particular field: Frank had very little experience or appreciation for classical music because of his illiterateness.

A mark or sign that represents speech sounds that are used in forming words: The letters of the alphabet, which utilize written materials for literate people to read, are taught in the first year of school.

Written symbols that are used to present organized words for people to read and to understand: The lettering Mary used on the invitations to her birthday party were absolutely gorgeous and skillfully designed.

1. The ability to read and to write: Greg became skilled in literacy when he was in elementary school and enjoyed poring over books about animals.
2. The understanding of written material or the expertise in a specific area: Computer literacy is certainly an advantage when seeking a job in the present world.