Colloquial

usgb/kəˈləʊkwiəl/
adjective

Used in ordinary or everyday conversation, not formal or literary.

They spoke in a colloquial style that was easy to understand.
Visual representation of "colloquial" - Used in ordinary or everyday conversation, not formal or literary.

Often appears as...

  • colloquial language
  • colloquial expression
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "colloquial"
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Everyday Speech

Colloquial terms are often region-specific, used in casual chat.

Illustration for Everyday Speech
The colloquialisms he used revealed he was from Texas.
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Not for Formal Use

Avoid colloquial language in formal writing or speeches, like essays or presentations.

Illustration for Not for Formal Use
His colloquial wording was frowned upon in the academic paper.
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Cultural Nuances

Colloquialisms can carry meanings unique to a culture that may not translate well.

Illustration for Cultural Nuances
Her colloquial jokes didn't make sense to the foreign audience.
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Compare with

commonplaceconversationaldialecteverydayidiomaticformalwearslangyvernacular
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Visual representation of the word "Colloquial"

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