col·lo·qui·al

[kuh-loh-kwee-uhl]
adjective
1.
characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal.
2.
involving or using conversation.

Origin:
1745–55; colloquy + -al1

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
sem·i·col·lo·qui·al·ly, adverb
un·col·lo·qui·al, adjective
un·col·lo·qui·al·ly, adverb


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. formal.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To colloquially
00:10
Colloquially is always a great word to know.
So is zedonk. Does it mean:
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.
Collins
World English Dictionary
colloquial (kəˈləʊkwɪəl) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
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

colloquial (kəˈləʊkwɪəl) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
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
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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
Example sentences
The work of the sandhogs-as workers who dig tunnels are still colloquially
  known-was dangerous, claustrophobic and tedious.
Many have been wondering whether something known colloquially as snail mail can
  compete.
Colloquially, individuals with this malformation are sometimes called
  frog-babies.
The word also is used, colloquially, to refer to gasoline.
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