colloquial
colloquial
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling of "colloquial"
The IPA transcription for "colloquial" depends on the dialect (e.g., Received Pronunciation vs. General American). Here's the breakdown for both:
Received Pronunciation (British English):
IPA: /kəˈləʊ.kwɪəl/
Sounds by Syllable:
ko /kə/: Unvoiced velar stop /k/ followed by a schwa /ə/ (short, neutral vowel sound)
l /l/: Voiced alveolar lateral consonant /l/
lo /ˈləʊ/: Stressed vowel sound /ʊ/ (similar to "oo" in "boot") followed by a schwa /ə/
kwi /kwɪ/: Voiceless labial-velar stop /kʷ/ followed by a close front unrounded vowel /ɪ/ (like "i" in "bit")
əl /əl/: Syllabic /l/ sound followed by a dark /l/ sound
General American:
IPA: /kəˈloʊ.kwi.əl/
Sounds by Syllable:
ko /kə/: Same as Received Pronunciation
lo /ˈloʊ/: Stressed long close back rounded vowel /oʊ/ (like "ow" in "cow")
kwi /kwi/: Same as Received Pronunciation
əl /əl/: Same as Received Pronunciation
Word Form Variations
"Colloquial" itself doesn't have variations based on number (singular/plural) or person (first/second/third). It functions as an adjective to describe language or speech.
However, there are some related terms that do have variations:
Noun:
Colloquialism (singular): This refers to a specific word or phrase that's considered informal or conversational.
Colloquialisms (plural): This refers to the collection of all informal words or phrases in a language.
Adverb:
Colloquially (adverb): This describes the way something is said or written, indicating it's in a casual or informal style.
Note: "Colquialness" is a less common noun form that refers to the quality of being informal or conversational.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Adjective:
Definition: Used in or characteristic of ordinary or familiar conversation; informal. (e.g., "They used colloquial language when chatting with friends.")
Synonyms: conversational, informal, slangy (informal), everyday, vernacular (regional)
Antonyms: formal, stuffy, stilted, highfalutin (informal)
Noun:
Definition 1 (less common): A word or phrase that is considered informal or conversational. (e.g., "That expression is a real colloquialism.")
Synonyms (for definition 1): slang term, idiomatic expression (less common)
Antonyms (for definition 1): formal term, technical term
Noun:
Definition 2 (more common): The quality of being informal or conversational in language. (e.g., "The author aimed for a more colloquial style in their writing.")
Synonyms (for definition 2): informality, conversationality, casualness
Antonyms (for definition 2): formality, stuffiness, stiltedness
Adverb:
Definition: In a casual or informal way. (e.g., "He spoke colloquially, cracking jokes throughout the presentation.")
Synonyms: informally, conversationally, casually
Antonyms: formally, stiffly, stiltedly
Examples of Use
Book:
"The dialogue in the novel was rich with colloquialisms, bringing the characters and their working-class backgrounds to life." (Example: J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye uses many New York City colloquialisms, like "phony" and "lousy.")
2. Newspaper:
"The politician's attempt to connect with voters by using colloquial language backfired, as some found it pandering." (Example: A news article might discuss a politician using slang terms like "gonna" or "ain't" to appear more relatable.)
3. Online Publication:
"The online forum discussion devolved into a string of insults and non-sequiturs, a far cry from the more colloquial and respectful tone earlier in the thread." (Example: An online forum moderator might remind users to keep discussions respectful and avoid overly informal language.)
4. Entertainment Medium (Movie):
"The buddy cop movie relied heavily on witty banter and colloquialisms, creating a sense of camaraderie between the mismatched leads." (Example: Films like the Lethal Weapon series often feature characters who use informal language and slang to create a humorous dynamic.)
5. Entertainment Medium (TV Show):
"The reality show captured the contestants' use of colloquialisms as they navigated unfamiliar cultural situations, providing a glimpse into everyday speech patterns." (Example: A reality show set in a foreign country might highlight the cultural differences in language use, with the contestants struggling to understand local colloquialisms.)
6. General Public Discourse:
"Social media platforms have blurred the lines between formal and informal communication, with colloquial language becoming increasingly common even in professional settings." (Example: Discussions on social media platforms like Twitter often use colloquial language and abbreviations, even when the topic itself might be serious.)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Colloquial
While the word "colloquial" itself isn't very common in famous quotes, the concept is. Here are ten quotes that highlight the use of informal or everyday language:
"Eschew obfuscation" (Arthur C. Clarke) - This quote, though not using colloquial language itself, advocates for avoiding overly complex or formal language, favoring clear and concise communication (potentially including colloquialisms depending on the context).
"They didn't want literature, they wanted escape" (Ursula K. Le Guin) - This quote captures the essence of informal language - providing a way to connect with readers on a more personal level.
"The difference between the almost right word and the right word is the difference between a lightning bug and a bolt of lightning" (Mark Twain) - This quote emphasizes the power of precise language, but also implies that depending on the context, informal language can be the "right word" for impact.
"Life ain't all sunshine and rainbows" (Maya Angelou) - This quote uses clear, everyday language to convey a life lesson.
"All you need is love" (John Lennon) - This simple, direct statement uses informal language to express a powerful sentiment.
"Elementary, my dear Watson" (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) - Though potentially apocryphal, this famous line from Sherlock Holmes uses informal language to create a sense of character and wit.
"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" (Gone With the Wind) - This iconic line from the movie "Gone With the Wind" (though not in the original novel) uses strong, informal language for dramatic effect.
"May the Force be with you" (Star Wars) - This well-known phrase, though not strictly colloquial, uses informal language to create a sense of camaraderie and shared experience.
"Houston, we have a problem" (Apollo 13) - This famous quote from the Apollo 13 mission uses clear and concise language, even in a high-pressure situation.
"I'm walking here!" (Taxi Driver) - This line from the movie "Taxi Driver" uses informal language to create a sense of character frustration and add a touch of dark humor.
Etymology
The word "colloquial" comes from a family tree of chatting! Here's the breakdown:
Great-great-grandparent: The Latin verb "colloqui" means "to converse" or "to chat together." It's like the fancy way of saying "talk with someone."
Great-grandparent: The Latin noun "colloquium" comes from that verb and means "a conversation" or "a discussion." Think of it as a formal meeting where people chat.
Parent: In the mid-1700s, English borrowed "colloquium" and changed it a bit to make "colloquial." Back then, it still meant "having to do with conversation."
Our word: Over time, "colloquial" narrowed its meaning to describe language used in everyday, informal chats, rather than formal discussions. So, it's the kind of language you'd use with friends, not in a fancy speech.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Colloquial
There aren't many common phrases that directly include the word "colloquial." However, there are several ways to describe informal or everyday language that are related to "colloquial." Here are some options:
Phrases:
Colloquial language/speech: This directly describes language used in casual conversation.
Informal language/register: "Register" refers to a variety of language used in a specific context. Informal register is the opposite of formal register.
Everyday language: This describes the language people use in their daily lives.
Vernacular language: This refers to the language of a particular region or group.
Slang: This refers to informal words and expressions, often specific to a certain group or time period.
Idioms:
Speak one's mind: To speak frankly and informally.
Shoot the breeze: To chat casually about unimportant things.
Talk turkey: To speak directly and frankly.
Kick back and relax: To unwind and take it easy. (This doesn't directly describe language, but implies a casual and informal situation where colloquial language might be used.)
Dish the dirt: To gossip or talk about someone in an informal way. (Similar to "kick back and relax," this implies a casual situation.)
Posts Related to Colloquial
Source Information
Definition of Colloquial from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
