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colloquial

adj.
C1 Advanced US //kəˈɫoʊkwiəɫ// UK //kəlˈəʊkwɪəl// col·lo·qui·al Informal

adj. describing words or phrases that people use in everyday conversation rather than in formal writing or speeches. These words are usually more casual and specific to a certain group or region.

adj. relating to the informal speech or writing of a particular social group or region. Often used to distinguish everyday language from standard or formal registers.


SIMPLE

The song uses many colloquial phrases from the local dialect.

CONTEXTUAL

While the official report uses formal language, the informal version contains several colloquial expressions that make it easier to read.

COMPLEX

Linguists often study colloquial speech to understand how language evolves naturally among communities, as these informal patterns eventually influence standard grammar and vocabulary.

Synonyms
Origin

1751, from earlier term colloquy (“a conversation”), from Latin colloquium (“conference, conversation”), from con- (“together”) + loquor (“to speak”), + -al.

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