Word
language
Phoneticslan·guage, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫæŋɡwədʒ/
UK/lˈæŋɡwɪdʒ/
Definitions
01human communication system
A1 · Beginner Countable noun
n. a system of words and grammar used by a group of people or a country.
n. a structured system of communication used by a particular community or country, consisting of a lexicon and grammatical rules.
“Learning a new language is a great way to understand a different culture.”
“The researchers studied how the language evolved over centuries as different tribes migrated across the continent.”
Pitfall
She speaks the English language very good.
She speaks the English language very well.
Use the adverb 'well' to describe how someone speaks, not the adjective 'good'.
02specialized jargon
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the specific words used by people in a particular job or group.
n. the specialized vocabulary or style of expression used by a particular profession or social group.
Español:lenguaje
“I found it hard to understand the legal language in the housing contract.”
“The report was written in highly technical language that required a specialist to interpret for the board of directors.”
Synonyms
03computing
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Computing
n. a set of instructions or codes used to tell a computer what to do.
n. a formal system of signs and rules used for writing computer programs.
“Python is a popular language for people who are just starting to learn coding.”
“The software was rewritten in a more modern language to improve its processing speed and security features.”
Synonyms
04profanity
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Informal
n. rude or offensive words.
n. vulgar or offensive vocabulary; often used as a euphemism for swearing.
“Please watch your language while there are children in the room.”
“The comedian was known for using colorful language that occasionally offended the more conservative members of the audience.”
05animal communication
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the sounds or signs that animals use to talk to each other.
n. a system of signs, sounds, or gestures used by non-human species to convey information.
“Scientists are still trying to decode the complex language of dolphins.”
“Bees use a sophisticated body language known as the waggle dance to inform the hive about the location of nectar.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “language” in context.
Real-World Examples
“The researchers estimated that the number topped out in a range from 30,000 to potentially more than 75,000 different languages used worldwide at any one time.” “In public settings, where Mandarin and minority languages are used together, Mandarin must be given "prominence in placement, order, and similar respects," the draft said.” “The researchers said the Aurignacian signs display some design features found in written languages but that other features are missing including the connection to spoken language structures.” “Moldova's parliament on Thursday approved a law on referring to the national language as Romanian in all legislative texts and the constitution, despite opposition from a pro-Moscow communist party.” Etymology
From Middle English langage, language, from Old French language, from Vulgar Latin linguāticum, from Latin lingua (“tongue, speech, language”), from Old Latin dingua (“tongue”), from Proto-Indo-European dn̥ǵʰwéh₂s (“tongue, speech, language”). Doublet of langaj. Displaced native Old English ġeþēode.
Alteration of languet.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Idioms
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/language
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0