colloquial
Use Colloquial in a sentence
kwi adjective
1.
characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal.
2.
involving or using conversation.
Related forms
col·lo·qui·al·ly, adverb
col·lo·qui·al·ness, col·lo·qui·al·i·ty, noun
qua·si-col·lo·qui·al, adjective
qua·si-col·lo·qui·al·ly, adverb
sem·i·col·lo·qui·al, adjective
Synonyms
1, 2. 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, 2. 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.
Antonyms
1. formal.
1. formal.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
|
Link To colloquial
00:10
Colloquial
is an SAT word you need to know.
So is trepidation. Does it mean:
| any magical power or process of transmuting a common substance, usually of little value, into a substance of great value. |
| tremulous fear, alarm, or agitation |
Collins
World English Dictionary
colloquial (kəˈləʊkwɪəl) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —adj | |
| 1. | of or relating to conversation |
| 2. | Compare informal denoting or characterized by informal or conversational idiom or vocabulary |
| col'loquially | |
| —adv | |
| col'loquialness | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon
| Main Entry: | colloquial |
| Part of Speech: | adj |
| Definition: | pertaining to words or expressions more suitable for speech than writing; in informal, conversational style |
| Etymology: | Latin colloquium 'speaking together' |
| Main Entry: | colloquial |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | colloquial language or speech |
| Etymology: | Latin colloquium 'speaking together' |
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
colloquial
1751, from colloquy "a conversation" (1459), from L. colloquium "conference, conversation," from com- "together" + loqui "speak."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Cite This Source
Example sentences
Common names are also provided for standardized formats, when the formal name excludes colloquial elements.
Direct the translators to produce colloquial questions and instructions that survey respondents can easily understand and use.
There is no colloquial designation that guarantees quality.
Perhaps my more colloquial understanding of random is different from the mathematical meaning.
Matching Quote
Nearby Words
Copyright © 2013 Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
