May 26 2020 32
Aliteracy is a noun that refers to the state of being able to read but uninterested in doing so.
You may recognize our word of the day’s similarity to the word ‘illiteracy.’ Both words derive from the Latin word littera (LEE tar ah) which means ‘letter.’ Aliteracy adds the prefix ‘A’ which means ‘not.’ An aliterate person is not unable to read, but someone who chooses not to.
There is a concern in the book industry that reading is something younger people don’t do anymore. The data isn’t yet clear on how justified this concern is, but it does seem that for many, aliteracy had taken a big toll on their habits.
