SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

visual literacy

noun

Definition of visual literacy

:the ability to recognize and understand ideas conveyed through visible actions or images (such as pictures)

First Known Use of visual literacy

1971

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up visual literacy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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WORD OF THE DAY

knee-jerk

play

readily predictable

Words at Play

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The Synonyms 'Discover' and 'Invent'

In the past, you could invent fruit.

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I'll Have the Us(ual)

Shortening 'usual': easy to say, hard to spell

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The Origins of 'Lobbyist'

From the front hallways to the back rooms

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The History of the Word 'Terrorism'

Noah Webster first entered the term in 1840

Ask the Editors

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

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Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

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The Exceptions Quiz III

Which of these things doesn't belong?

Take the quiz

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Forms of Government Quiz

Name that government! Or something like that.

Take the quiz

Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

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Word Winder's CrossWinder

Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

Play the game