First Known Use: 1751
Dictionary
colloquial
adjective col·lo·qui·al \kə-ˈlō-kwē-əl\
: used when people are speaking in an informal way
: using an informal style
Full Definition of COLLOQUIAL
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
— colloquial noun
— col·lo·qui·al·i·ty \-ˌlō-kwē-ˈa-lə-tē\ noun
— col·lo·qui·al·ly \-ˈlō-kwē-ə-lē\ adverb
See colloquial defined for English-language learners
See colloquial defined for kids
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Examples of COLLOQUIAL
- 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
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Origin of COLLOQUIAL
(see colloquy)
Related to COLLOQUIAL
- Synonyms
- conversational, informal, nonformal, nonliterary, unbookish, unliterary, vernacular, vulgar
Other Language Terms
COLLOQUIAL Defined for Kids
colloquial
adjective col·lo·qui·al \kə-ˈlō-kwē-əl\
Definition of COLLOQUIAL for Kids
: used in or suited to familiar and informal conversation <colloquial language>
Learn More About COLLOQUIAL
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Next Word in the Dictionary: colloquialismPrevious Word in the Dictionary: colloqueAll Words Near: colloquial
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