Idiomatic

/ˌɪd.i.oʊˈmæt.ɪk/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Relating to or denoting expressions that are natural to a native speaker.

Her use of idiomatic phrases made her sound fluent in English.

Characteristic of a particular language or dialect; not literal.

The idiomatic expressions in Spanish can be difficult for learners to grasp.

Having a particular meaning that is different from the meanings of the individual words.

The expression 'kick the bucket' is an idiomatic way to say someone has died.

Using language that is specific to a certain group or profession.

The report contained many idiomatic terms from the field of medicine.

From 'idiom' + '-atic', derived from Greek 'idiomatiko's (of private property, peculiar)

hit the nail on the head

To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.

kick the bucket

A euphemism for dying.

barking up the wrong tree

To make a mistake or misjudgment.

idiom

A phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the words in it.

colloquial

Used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.

vernacular

The language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region.

Something that is natural or effortless in language.

She speaks Spanish idiomatic like a local.

Referring to expressions that don't translate directly.

That phrase is very idiomatic; you won't find a direct translation.