literates

Those who read

Literates is the plural of literate as a noun—people who can read and write, or more broadly, those with knowledge or competence in a particular field: The computer literates in the office helped train the others.

The noun form is less common than the adjective; we more often say literate people than literates.

informed

aware

Having knowledge of

knowledgeableHaving extensive information
versedKnowledgeable through study
acquaintedHaving personal knowledge of

cognizant · briefed · updated · schooled · apprised · educated · instructed · conscious · conversant · well-informed

cultured

refined

Purified or cultured

sophisticatedWorldly and cultured
cosmopolitanCulturally sophisticated, internationally fluent
urbaneRefined and courteous

cultivated · worldly · polished · elegant · tasteful · discerning · artistic · aesthetic · graceful · stylish

educated

intellectuals

People of scholarly pursuits

scholarsExperts in a field
academicsProfessional researchers and teachers
graduatesDegree recipients

professors · savants · thinkers · experts · philosophers · pundits · cognoscenti · alumni · tutors · pedagogues

skilled

proficient

Having practiced ability

competentSufficiently able, qualified
capableHaving required skills
adeptHighly capable, well-versed

fluent · numerate · trained · qualified · accomplished · versed · able · practiced · experienced · masterful

Opposites

reading and writing ability

literatesilliterates

People unable to read

nonreaders · semiliterates

Phrases

children's literatureBooks aimed at youth
classic literatureEnduring fictional works
European literatureWritten works from Europe
German literatureBooks from Deutschland
Irish literatureWriting from Ireland
Japanese literatureWriting from Nippon

Family

literature, literate, illiterate

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G