numerate

1 of 2

adjective

nu·​mer·​ate ˈnü-mə-rət 

ˈnüm-rə-;

ˈnyü-mə-,

ˈnyüm-rə-

: having the ability to understand and work with numbers

The collectors themselves were recruited locally and often barely numerate. They could be sent to prison if they failed to collect the prescribed amount.

—Graham Robb

… more than five million Americans have some form of classroom business training. They make up an affluent cohort that is numerate as well as literate and looks to books on business for fun, profit, and instruction.

—Christopher Knowlton

numerate

2 of 2

verb

nu·​mer·​ate ˈnü-mə-ˌrāt 

ˈnyü-

numerated; numerating

transitive verb

: enumerate

Synonyms

Verb

• enumerate
• inventory
• itemize
• list

Examples of numerate in a Sentence

Verb

numerate the dish's ingredients for me

I don't have the time to numerate all the reasons, so I'll offer just a few.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The rivalry between Peretti—goofy, numerate, American, straight—and Gawker founder Nick Denton—brash, anti-elitist, English, gay—lies at the heart of Traffic. —Aaron Timms, The New Republic, 18 Apr. 2023

Verb

Meanwhile, California’s Democratic officials recently approved new math standards that would end advanced math in elementary and middle school and Oregon’s have abolished the requirement that high school graduates be literate and numerate. —Frederick M. Hess and Michael McShane, TIME, 10 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin numerus number entry 1 + -ate entry 3 (after literate entry 1)

Verb

borrowed from Latin numerātus, past participle of numerāre "to count, number entry 2"

First Known Use

Adjective

1959, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1657, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

numerate

verb

nu·​mer·​ate ˈn(y)ü-mə-ˌrāt 

numerated; numerating

: enumerate