Meaning & Definition of word "Colloquial"
to
Colloquial
/kəˈloʊ.kwi.əl/
adjective:
- 1. Used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.
- Example: His use of colloquial expressions made the conversation feel more relaxed and friendly.
- 2. Characteristic of or appropriate to the spoken language or to informal writing.
- Example: The novel’s colloquial style made it accessible to a wider audience.
- 3. Related to a particular region or group of people.
- Example: She often used regional colloquial terms that were unfamiliar to outsiders.
Etymology
From Latin 'colloquialis', from 'colloquium', meaning 'conversation'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
colloquial expressions:
Informal phrases commonly used in spoken language.
colloquially speaking:
In casual language; informally.
Related Words
vernacular:
The language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region.
slang:
Informal language, often specific to a particular group.
Slang Meanings of colloquial
Meaning: Chit-chat
Example Sentence: We were just having some chit-chat about weekend plans.
Meaning: Street lingo
Example Sentence: He speaks in street lingo that some people might not understand.