numerate

[ verb noo-muh-reyt, nyoo-; adjective noo-mer-it, nyoo- ]

verb (used with object)

, nu·mer·at·ed, nu·mer·at·ing.

1. to represent numbers by symbols.
2. enumerate ( def 2 ).

adjective

1. able to use or understand numerical techniques of mathematics.

numerate

adjective

1. able to use numbers, esp in arithmetical operations Compare literate

verb

1. to read (a numerical expression)
2. a less common word for enumerate

Other Words From

• numer·a·cy noun
• re·numer·ate verb (used with object) renumerated renumerating
• un·numer·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of numerate¹

1400–50; late Middle English: counted, numbered < Latin numerātus (past participle of numerāre to number ), equivalent to numer- number + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of numerate¹

C18 (vb): from Latin numerus number + -ate ¹, by analogy with literate

Example Sentences

Andrew McInnes, defending, told the court the defendant had ADHD, was barely literate or numerate and his family believed he had been addicted to cannabis since the age of 13.

From BBC

Improvements in K-14 education to get every child literate, numerate, graduating from high school and, where possible, into at least community college, the military or technical training.

From Seattle Times

He said the new qualification would ensure children leave school "literate and numerate".

From BBC

He said an “anti-maths mindset” had made Britain one of the least numerate nations in the developed world.

From Seattle Times

Rishi Sunak said the UK was one of the least numerate countries in the developed world in a speech championing maths.

From BBC