Meaning & use
computer literate
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivenot comparable
Able to use computers and common software confidently for everyday tasks.
Grammar: Not usually compared: say more computer literate, not computer-literater.
Patterns
- be computer literate
- computer-literate staff
- become computer literate
All new employees are expected to be computer literate.
The course helps older adults become computer literate.
We are looking for a computer-literate receptionist who can manage our booking system.
adjectivenot comparable
Knowing enough about computers to understand basic security, privacy, and online safety issues.
Grammar: Often used in education and policy writing about digital skills.
Patterns
- digitally computer literate
- computer-literate citizens
Schools want students to be computer literate before they leave.
A computer-literate voter can spot a phishing email.
Common combinations
- be computer literate
- You must be computer literate to apply for this job.
- become computer literate
- She became computer literate after taking an evening class.
- computer-literate workforce
- The country needs a computer-literate workforce.
- fully computer literate
- He is fully computer literate and can fix most problems himself.
Synonyms and how they differ
- tech-savvy
- Informal and stronger; it suggests enthusiasm and up-to-date knowledge, not just basic ability.
- digitally literate
- Broader; it covers phones, social media, and online services as well as computers.
Opposites
Word family
- computer literacy noun
- The ability to use computers well.
- literate adjective
- Able to read and write; also used in compounds like financially literate.
Commonly confused: computer literate or literate?
computer literate vs literate
Literate alone means able to read and write, not able to use computers.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
Computer literate is an adjective after be. Option B uses the noun, C puts the adjective in the wrong place, and D mixes 'very' with a comparative 'than'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “computer literate”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.