Meaning & Definition of word "Colloquial"

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.