colloquial — used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary
Pronunciation (IPA): /kəˈloʊkwiəl/
Example Sentences
- The professor used colloquial language to make the lecture more accessible.
- His essay was marked down for using too many colloquial expressions.
- The dictionary includes both formal and colloquial meanings of words.
colloquial
ADJECTIVE[/kəˈloʊkwiəl/]
used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary
Her colloquial greeting made the formal interview suddenly feel relaxed.
Call low and kwee-al — casual talk, not formal at all!
Drop the editorial style, speak colloquial!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'colloquium' meaning 'conversation' or 'talk together,' derived from 'col-' (together) and 'loqui' (to speak). The suffix '-ial' was added to create the adjective form.
Breakdown
col- (together) + loqu- (speak) + -ium (noun suffix) + -ial (adjective suffix) = colloquial
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The professor used colloquial language to make the lecture more accessible.”
“His essay was marked down for using too many colloquial expressions.”
“The dictionary includes both formal and colloquial meanings of words.”
“My grandmother's colloquial wisdom often proved more valuable than textbook knowledge.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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