1
a
: used in or characteristic of familiar and informal conversation
In colloquial English, «kind of» is often used for «somewhat» or «rather.»
also
: unacceptably informal
b
: using conversational style
Did you know?
The noun colloquy was first used in English to refer to a conversation or dialogue, and when the adjective colloquial was formed from colloquy it had a similar focus. Over time, however, colloquial developed a more specific meaning related to language that is most suited to informal conversation—and it ultimately garnered an additional, disparaging implication of a style that seems too informal for a situation. Colloquy and colloquial trace back to the Latin verb colloqui, meaning «to converse.» Colloqui in turn was formed by combining the prefix com- («with») and loqui («to speak»). Other conversational descendants of loqui in English include circumlocution, eloquent, loquacious, soliloquy, and ventriloquism.
Synonyms
Example Sentences
But I think part of this pickle that we’re in—if I may be colloquial, even though I’m not running for office—is that we’ve lost their sense of responsibility.
—
Sarah Vowell, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2008
Langston was the merriest and the most colloquial of them all. «Best party I’ve ever been given!» he said.
—Gwendolyn Brooks, Booklist, 15 Oct. 1993
Mr. Salisbury’s firsthand account is written in a fast-paced, chaotic and colloquial style, which often feels confused and hastily set down.
—Susan Shapiro, New York Times Book Review, 10 Sept. 1989
Although in the circle of his friends, where he might be unreserved with safety, he took a free share in conversation, his colloquial talents were not above mediocrity, possessing neither copiousness of ideas, nor fluency of words.
—Thomas Jefferson, letter, 2 Jan. 1814
the new coworker’s rudeness soon began—to use a colloquial expression—to rub me the wrong way
a colloquial essay on what makes a marriage successful
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Recent Examples on the Web
What Is the Grandfather Paradox? (Credit: Drawlab19/Shutterstock) Broadly speaking, the Grandfather Paradox is a colloquial term for just about any causality paradox.
—Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2023
Ijames unpacks it all in a chili-and-cornbread combo of colloquial language and Shakespearean English, with characters that reflect an authentic Black experience.
—Maya Phillips, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2023
Of course because class exhibits heritability in the colloquial non-genetic sense in the Old World height was a strong tell as to one’s position in the status hierarchy.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 16 Aug. 2011
In his sprawling, colloquial narrative, history isn’t a sloppy progression but a nefarious plot serving capitalism’s theft of people’s labor and dignity.
—Steven Levy, WIRED, 3 Mar. 2023
At times, lines that are meant to be conversational or colloquial feel rote or cliched.
—Carole V. Bell, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2023
When asked about the chat platform Discord, for example, ChatGPT returned text with words cut short, as if they were spoken in colloquial English.
—Ben Goggin, NBC News, 4 Feb. 2023
Allergies Allergies are defined as ‘hypersensitive immune responses’—or, in colloquial terms, odd moments when our immune systems flip out.
—Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2013
That’s a colloquial name for beech blight aphids, a native insect that feeds in aggregations on beech.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 1 Sep. 2022
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘colloquial.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1751, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of colloquial was
in 1751
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Dictionary Entries Near colloquial
Cite this Entry
“Colloquial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colloquial. Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
Asked by: Korey Jaskolski
Score: 4.9/5
(51 votes)
Colloquialism or colloquial language is the linguistic style used for casual communication. It is the most common functional style of speech, the idiom normally employed in conversation and other informal contexts.
What are examples of colloquial words?
English Colloquialism Examples
- Ace — word to describe something excellent.
- Anorak — someone who is a little bit of a geek with expertise usually in an obscure niche.
- Blimey — exclamation of surprise.
- Bloke — a regular man or «guy»
- Boot — the trunk of a car.
- Brilliant — something that’s really great.
- Brolly — an umbrella.
What is the meaning of colloquial and examples?
The definition of colloquial refers to words or expressions used in ordinary language by common people. An example of colloquial is casual conversation where some slang terms are used and where no attempt is made at being formal. … Of or pertaining to a conversation; conversational or chatty.
What does colloquialism mean?
colloquialism Add to list Share. … Colloquialism comes from the Latin word colloquium meaning «conference, conversation,» or literally «a speaking together.» When you talk, colloquialisms are so common, you might not be aware you are using them — that is, until one comes up that is unfamiliar to someone in the group.
Does colloquial mean slang?
Colloquial language includes slang, along with abbreviations, contractions, idioms, turns-of-phrase, and other informal words and phrases known to most native speakers of a language or dialect. Jargon is terminology that is explicitly defined in relationship to a specific activity, profession, or group.
35 related questions found
Is Guy is a colloquial word?
(colloquial) A form of address for a group of male persons or a group of mixed male and female persons. Hi guys! Plural form of guy. (colloquial) Persons, irrespective of their genders.
What does bloody mean in England?
In British slang, bloody means something like “very.” That’s bloody brilliant! Things that are literally bloody have blood on them or are made of blood. … To bloody something is to cover it in blood: «I will bloody your nose if you say that again!» It comes from the Old English blodig, from blod, or «blood.»
Is Stress is a colloquial word?
Is stress a colloquial word? Answer. Answer: stress is the colloquial word among the all four mentioned above.
Why is colloquial language used?
Colloquial language is used in informal writing situations and creates a conversational tone. Everyday spoken language gives your writing a casual, relaxed effect. Colloquial language is not necessarily “wrong,” but it is used when a writer is trying to achieve informality.
How do you use colloquial in a sentence?
Colloquial sentence example
- His colloquial talents were indeed of the highest order. …
- The merchant families of Iannina are well educated; the dialect spoken in that town is the purest specimen of colloquial Greek. …
- His sermons were colloquial , simple, full of conviction and point.
How do you identify colloquial words?
Words can be colloquialism examples if they demonstrate the regional dialect of the speaker, or it they are contractions or examples of profanity. Phrases and aphorisms are colloquialisms if they aren’t literal usages, yet are widely understand within a geographical boundary.
What does Cervine mean in English?
: of, relating to, or resembling deer.
What are some old slang words?
50 Vintage Slang Words That Sound Hilarious Today
- Wisenheimer.
- Knuckle sandwich.
- Arf’arf’an’arf.
- Ducky shincracker.
- Khaki wacky.
- Sockdolager.
- Applesauce.
- Gigglemug.
What are inappropriate colloquialisms?
Colloquialisms are slang, informal, or localized language. When writing formal papers, both clichés and colloquialisms are inappropriate. Eliminating them requires changing habits. Examples of inappropriate phrases: “She was running around like a chicken with her head cut off. “ (
What are colloquialisms in writing?
Colloquialisms are words and expressions that become commonplace within a specific language, geographic region, or historical era. Authors use colloquialisms to give personality and authenticity to their characters.
Is stuff is a colloquial word?
Informal. one’s trade, skill, field, facts, etc.: She knows her stuff. Slang. any kind of drug, especially an illicit one.
What does Guy mean in slang?
guy Add to list Share. A guy is a dude, a boy, a man, or really anybody. It’s an informal way to refer to a person, especially a male.
What are stress words?
Word stress is the emphasis we place in a specific syllable of a word when pronouncing it. … In English words that have more than one syllable, we usually don’t pronounce every syllable with the same weight, so each syllable in a word can be stressed or unstressed.
Is bloody a bad word in England?
“Bloody” is no longer Britain’s most commonly used swear word, while the number of uttered expletives has dropped by more than a quarter in 20 years, a study has found. Bloody is a common swear word that is considered to be milder and less offensive than other, more visceral alternatives.
Is Frick a swear word?
Frick isn’t a swear word. I know there are certain individuals who think c r a p is a swear word (even though it really isn’t), but “frick” isn’t a swear word by any sense of the meaning of “swear word”. No one is going to get offended by someone saying “frick”.
Why do the English use the word bloody?
Origin. Use of the adjective bloody as a profane intensifier predates the 18th century. Its ultimate origin is unclear, and several hypotheses have been suggested. … The Oxford English Dictionary prefers the theory that it arose from aristocratic rowdies known as «bloods», hence «bloody drunk» means «drunk as a blood».
What is a colloquial metaphor?
a colloquial expression; characteristic of spoken or written communication that seeks to imitate informal speech. Metaphorverb. (intransitive) To use a metaphor. Colloquialismnoun. a word or phrase that is not formal or literary and is used in ordinary or familiar conversation.
What is the opposite of colloquial language?
(formal) Opposite of used in or suitable for everyday conversation rather than formal or official contexts. formal. literary. bookish. learned.
English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
1751, from earlier term colloquy (“a conversation”), from Latin colloquium (“conference, conversation”), from con- (“together”) + loquor (“to speak”), + -al.
Pronunciation[edit]
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /kəˈləʊ.kwɪəl/
- (General American) IPA(key): /kəˈloʊ.kwi.əl/
- Hyphenation: col‧lo‧qui‧al
Adjective[edit]
colloquial (comparative more colloquial, superlative most colloquial)
- (linguistics) Characteristic of familiar conversation, of common parlance; informal.
-
You’re using too many colloquial words in this cover letter: I suggest changing «I picked up loads of cool skills» to «I acquired a great deal of positive abilities»
-
The colloquial and at times sarcastic tone of her books make her popular with teenagers.
-
- Of or pertaining to a conversation; conversational or chatty.
Usage notes[edit]
It is a common misconception that colloquial somehow denotes «local» or a word being «regional». This is not the case; the word root for colloquial is related to locution, not location. A more appropriate word for describing «local» or «regional» language is vernacular.
Note that while colloquy and colloquium refer to formal conversation, colloquial refers instead specifically to informal conversation (casual tone). This does not always mean spoken as opposed to written, but it always means informal as opposed to formal.
Synonyms[edit]
- casual
- colloq., coll.
Antonyms[edit]
- noncolloquial
Derived terms[edit]
[edit]
- colloquium
- colloquy
Translations[edit]
of oral communication language
- Arabic: (Eastern Arabic) عَامِّيّ (ʕāmmiyy), (Western Arabic) دَارِج (dārij)
- Armenian: խոսակցական (hy) (xosakcʿakan)
- Belarusian: размо́ўны (razmóŭny)
- Bulgarian: разгово́рен (bg) (razgovóren)
- Catalan: col·loquial
- Chinese:
- Mandarin: 口語／口语 (zh) (kǒuyǔ)
- Czech: hovorový (cs)
- Danish: dagligsprogs-
- Dutch: gemeenzaam (nl), idiomatisch (nl), van de spreektaal, informeel (nl)
- Estonian: kõnekeelne (et), argikeelne
- Finnish: puhekielinen (fi)
- French: familier (fr), parlé (fr)
- Galician: coloquial
- Georgian: სალაპარაკო (salaṗaraḳo), სალაპარაკო ენა (salaṗaraḳo ena), სასაუბრო (ka) (sasaubro), სასაუბრო ენა (sasaubro ena)
- German: umgangssprachlich (de), Umgangs- (de) (noun prefix)
- Greek: κοινολεκτικός (el) (koinolektikós), δημώδης (el) (dimódis), καθομιλούμενος (kathomiloúmenos)
- Ancient Greek: λεκτικός (lektikós)
- Hungarian: köznyelvi (hu), társalgási, kötetlen (hu), fesztelen (hu), hétköznapi (hu)
- Interlingua: colloquial
- Japanese: 口語体 (こうごたい, kōgotai), 話し言葉の (はなしことばの, hanashikotoba no), 口語の (ja) (こうごの, kōgo no)
- Korean: 구어(口語)의 (gueo-ui), 구어체(口語體)의 (gueoche-ui)
- Luxembourgish: ëmgangssproochlech (lb)
- Macedonian: разговорен (razgovoren)
- Norwegian: hverdagslig
- Persian: عامیانه (fa) (‘âmmiyâne)
- Persian: عامیانه (fa) (‘âmmiyâne)
- Polish: kolokwialny (pl), potoczny (pl), obiegowy (pl), swobodny (pl)
- Portuguese: coloquial (pt)
- Romanian: colocvial (ro), familiar (ro)
- Russian: разгово́рный (ru) (razgovórnyj), неформа́льный (ru) (neformálʹnyj), нелитерату́рный (ru) (neliteratúrnyj)
- Slovak: hovorový
- Slovene: pogovorni
- Spanish: coloquial (es), familiar (es)
- Swedish: vardaglig (sv)
- Thai: ภาษาปาก (th) (paa-sǎa-bpàak), ซึ่งปาก
- Ukrainian: розмо́вний (rozmóvnyj), просторі́чний (prostoríčnyj)
- Vietnamese: thông tục (vi), bình dân (vi)
See also[edit]
- argot
- slang
- vernacular
Noun[edit]
colloquial (plural colloquials)
- A colloquial word or phrase, colloquialism
[edit]
- colloquialism
- Go to Preferences page and choose from different actions for taps or mouse clicks.
WordReference Random House Learner’s Dictionary of American English © 2023
col•lo•qui•al /kəˈloʊkwiəl/USA pronunciation
adj.
- characteristic of or suitable to familiar conversation, rather than formal writing;
informal:colloquial style; colloquial expressions.
col•lo•qui•al•ly, adv.
- colloquial, conversational, informal refer to types of speech or to usages that are not on a formal level. The word colloquial is often mistakenly used as if it had the sense of disapproval, or as if it referred to «vulgar» or «bad» or «incorrect» usage, but it simply describes a casual or familiar style used in speaking and writing: colloquial expressions. conversational refers to a style used in speech, in simple meetings between two speakers: The newsletter was written in an easy conversational style. informal means without formality, without strict attention to set forms, and it describes the ordinary, everyday language of cultivated speakers: informal English.See -loq-.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2023
col•lo•qui•al
(kə lō′kwē əl),USA pronunciation adj.
- characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech or writing;
informal. - involving or using conversation.
- colloquy + —al1 1745–55
col•lo′qui•al•ly, adv.
col•lo′qui•al•ness, col•lo′qui•al′i•ty, n.
- 1, 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged Colloquial, conversational, informal refer to types of speech or to usages not on a formal level.
Colloquial is often mistakenly used with a connotation of disapproval, as if it meant «vulgar» or «bad» or «incorrect» usage, whereas it is merely a familiar style used in speaking and writing.
Conversational refers to a style used in the oral exchange of ideas, opinions, etc.:an easy conversational style.Informal means without formality, without strict attention to set forms, unceremonious:an informal manner of speaking;
it describes the ordinary, everyday language of cultivated speakers.
- 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged formal.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
colloquial /kəˈləʊkwɪəl/ adj
- of or relating to conversation
- denoting or characterized by informal or conversational idiom or vocabulary
colˈloquially adv colˈloquialness n
‘colloquial‘ also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
- colloquial
- [kə’ləʊkwɪəl]
1) Общая лексика: нелитературный , обиходный, разговорный, употребляющий разговорные слова и выражения, разговорный
2) Лингвистика: разговорный язык
Универсальный англо-русский словарь.
.
2011.
Смотреть что такое «colloquial» в других словарях:
-
Colloquial — Col*lo qui*al, a. [See {Colloqui}.] Pertaining to, or used in, conversation, esp. common and familiar conversation; conversational; hence, unstudied; informal; as, colloquial intercourse; colloquial phrases; a colloquial style. {Col*lo qui*al*ly} … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
-
colloquial — index ordinary, prevailing (current), prevalent Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 … Law dictionary
-
colloquial — 1751, from COLLOQUY (Cf. colloquy) a conversation + AL (Cf. al) (1). Related: Colloquially … Etymology dictionary
-
colloquial — is a term used in dictionaries and books on language to describe the less formal vocabulary and grammar of everyday speech. In some dictionaries, informal is used instead (as being less judgemental), although the implications for usage are the… … Modern English usage
-
colloquial — [adj] particular, familiar to an area, informal chatty, common, conversational, demotic, dialectal, everyday, idiomatic, jive*, popular, street*, vernacular; concept 267 Ant. correct, formal, standard, stilted … New thesaurus
-
colloquial — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ (of language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary. DERIVATIVES colloquially adverb. ORIGIN from Latin colloquium conversation … English terms dictionary
-
colloquial — [kə lō′kwē əl] adj. [< L colloquium (see COLLOQUY) + AL] 1. having to do with or like conversation; conversational 2. INFORMAL (sense e) colloquially adv … English World dictionary
-
colloquial — [[t]kəlo͟ʊkwiəl[/t]] ADJ GRADED Colloquial words and phrases are informal and are used mainly in conversation. …a colloquial expression… His stumbling attempts at colloquial Russian amused her. Derived words: colloquially ADV GRADED ADV with… … English dictionary
-
colloquial — col•lo•qui•al [[t]kəˈloʊ kwi əl[/t]] adj. 1) characteristic of or suitable to ordinary or familiar conversation or writing rather than formal speech or writing; informal 2) involving or using conversation • Etymology: 1745–55; colloquy+ al… … From formal English to slang
-
colloquial — colloquially, adv. colloquialness, colloquiality, n. /keuh loh kwee euhl/, adj. 1. characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal. 2. involving or using conversation. [1745 55; … Universalium
-
colloquial — adjective Date: 1751 1. of or relating to conversation ; conversational 2. a. used in or characteristic of familiar and informal conversation; also unacceptably informal b. using conversational style • … New Collegiate Dictionary
Colloquial language is casual and conversational: it’s the difference between «What are you going to do?» and «Whatchagonnado?»
The word colloquial comes from the Latin word colloquium, which means «speaking together.» The roots are the prefix com-, which means «together,» and the suffix -loqu, which means «speak.» Some may think that colloquial language is not good, when in fact it may just not be appropriate for the context. While it is OK to be colloquial and chatty with friends, it is not acceptable to be colloquial in an essay for school or work.
Definitions of colloquial
-
adjective
characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation
“wrote her letters in a
colloquial style”-
synonyms:
conversational
-
informal
used of spoken and written language
-
informal
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘colloquial’.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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colloquial
not formal or literary; belonging to or typical of ordinary or familiar language
Not to be confused with:
colloquium – an academic conference or seminar
colloquy – the act of conversing; a conversation
Abused, Confused, & Misused Words by Mary Embree Copyright © 2007, 2013 by Mary Embree
col·lo·qui·al
(kə-lō′kwē-əl)
adj.
1. Characteristic of or appropriate to the spoken language or to writing that seeks the effect of speech; informal.
2. Relating to conversation; conversational.
col·lo′qui·al n.
col·lo′qui·al·ly adv.
col·lo′qui·al·ness n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
colloquial
(kəˈləʊkwɪəl)
adj
1. (Linguistics) of or relating to conversation
2. (Linguistics) denoting or characterized by informal or conversational idiom or vocabulary. Compare informal
colˈloquially adv
colˈloquialness n
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
col•lo•qui•al
(kəˈloʊ kwi əl)
adj.
1. characteristic of or suitable to ordinary or familiar conversation or writing rather than formal speech or writing; informal.
2. involving or using conversation.
col•lo′qui•al•ly, adv.
col•lo′qui•al•ness, col•lo`qui•al′i•ty, n.
syn: colloquial, conversational, informal refer to types of speech or to usages that are not on a formal level. colloquial is often mistakenly used with a connotation of disapproval, as if it meant “vulgar” or “bad” or “incorrect” usage, whereas it merely describes a casual or familiar style used in speaking and writing: colloquial expressions. conversational refers to a style used in the oral exchange of ideas, opinions, etc.: The newsletter was written in an easy conversational style. informal means without formality, without strict attention to set forms, unceremonious; it describes the ordinary, everyday language of cultivated speakers: informal English.
Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
colloquial
Used to describe words or expressions that are found in everyday speech.
Dictionary of Unfamiliar Words by Diagram Group Copyright © 2008 by Diagram Visual Information Limited
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
| Adj. | 1. | colloquial — characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation; «wrote her letters in a colloquial style»; «the broken syntax and casual enunciation of conversational English»
informal — used of spoken and written language |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
colloquial
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
colloquial
adjective
In the style of conversation:
The American Heritage® Roget’s Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
عامّي، دارِج
hovorový
daglidags-dagligdagshverdags-kollokvialtalesprogs-
kötetlen társalgási nyelvi
talmáls-
paprastai sakantšnekamosios kalbõsšnekamosios kalbos žodis/posakis
sarunu-
konuşma diline ait
Collins Spanish Dictionary — Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
colloquial
[kəˈləʊkwiəl] adj [language, speech] → familier/ière; [term, sense] → familier/ière; [English] → parlé(e)
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
colloquial
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
colloquial
(kəˈləukwiəl) adjective
of or used in everyday informal, especially spoken, language. a colloquial expression.
colˈloquially adverbcolˈloquialism noun
an expression used in colloquial language.
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
-
Defenition of the word colloquial
- Characteristic of / belonging to informal spoken language or conversation.
- characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation; «wrote her letters in a colloquial style»; «the broken syntax and casual enunciation of conversational English»
- characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation
Synonyms for the word colloquial
-
- conversational
- everyday
- idiomatic
- informal
- slang
- spoken
Similar words in the colloquial
-
- colloquial
- colloquialism
- colloquialism’s
- colloquialisms
- colloquially
- colloquials
- informal
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colloquial
/kəˈloʊkwijəl/
adjective
colloquial
/kəˈloʊkwijəl/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of COLLOQUIAL
[more colloquial; most colloquial]
1
:
used when people are speaking in an informal way
-
a colloquial word/expression
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2
:
using an informal style
-
a colloquial writer
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— colloquially
adverb
-
The phrase is used colloquially but not in writing.
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The drink is known colloquially as a “brown cow.”
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