Meaning & Definition of word "Idiom"
Idiom
/ˈɪdiəm/
noun:
- 1. A group of words whose meaning is not deducible from those of the individual words.
- Example: The phrase 'kick the bucket' is an idiom meaning to die.
- 2. A language or dialect peculiar to a people or to a district, or a characteristic mode of expression.
- Example: The author's use of idiom gives her writing a unique cultural flavor.
- 3. An expression whose meaning is culturally understood but may not be immediately clear to non-native speakers.
- Example: When he said 'it's raining cats and dogs,' it was an idiom that confounded many foreigners.
- 4. The syntax and vocabulary that characterize the language of a particular group.
- Example: The idiom used in poetic works can often be quite different from everyday language.
- 5. A style of art or music that is characteristic of a particular group.
- Example: The idiom of the region's folk music is rich in cultural heritage.
Etymology
●From Latin idiomus, from Greek idiōma meaning 'peculiarity, special feature,' from idios meaning 'one's own.'
Common Phrases and Expressions
Break the ice:
To initiate conversation in a social setting.
Bite the bullet:
To endure a painful or unpleasant situation.
Let the cat out of the bag:
To reveal a secret.
Related Words
proverb:
A short, traditional saying that expresses a truth or piece of advice.
phraseology:
The way in which words and phrases are used in a particular language.
Slang Meanings of idiom
Meaning: Colloquial expression
● Example Sentence: Using 'gonna' instead of 'going to' is an idiom sometimes used in casual speech.
Meaning: Informal version of standard expressions
● Example Sentence: 'Hit the road' is a slang idiom meaning to leave.