Colloquial Definition
colloquial
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English
Etymology
1751, from earlier term colloquy (a conversation), from Latin colloquium (conference, conversation), from con- (together) + loqui (speak).
Pronunciation
Adjective
colloquial (comparative more colloquial, superlative most colloquial)
- (linguistics) Denoting a manner of speaking or writing that is characteristic of familiar conversation; informal.
- Of or pertaining to a conversation; conversational or chatty.
Usage notes
Note that while colloquy and colloquium refer to formal conversation, colloquial refers instead specifically to informal conversation.
Derived terms
Related terms
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