Indicates that one is literate? (5)
I believe the answer is:
signs
'indicates' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for signs that I've seen before include "Notices; gestures" , "Marks" , "Indications" , "Endorses" , "Pens name" .)