colloquial
[kuh-loh-kwee-uhl]
- characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal.
- involving or using conversation.
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Origin of colloquial
Synonym study
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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for colloquial
Contemporary Examples
A hypothetical history of how words become part of the colloquial lexicon.
There are no naked bodies (at least in the colloquial sense).
The lanky, scandal-scarred former Congressman and purveyor of the now colloquial sext, has lived and died by the tweet.
In Austria, schnaps is a colloquial term that historically references distilled fruit brandy.
To use an US Army colloquial term, he is a "No Go" for the cabinet post.
Historical Examples
Colloquial exaggerated turn of phrase; almost "you could wipe them off the earth."
CyropaediaXenophon
He was as familiar with colloquial English as he was with his own tongue.
The Fiery TotemArgyll Saxby
Perrin was nettled, for he prided himself on his colloquial style.
White LiesCharles Reade
In this way he acquired a colloquial knowledge of that language.
Wilmot and TilleyJames Hannay
Mrs. Quabarl, to use a colloquial expression, was knocked off her perch.
colloquial
- of or relating to conversation
- denoting or characterized by informal or conversational idiom or vocabularyCompare informal
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for colloquial
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper