colloquial
/kəˈloʊ.kwi.əl/
UK: /kəˈləʊ.kwɪəl/
KƏLOƱ · kwi · əl (3 syllables)
English
Adj
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Definition
Characteristic of familiar conversation, of common parlance; informal.
Etymology
1751, from earlier term colloquy (“a conversation”), from Latin colloquium (“conference, conversation”), from con- (“together”) + loquor (“to speak”), + -al.
Example Sentences
- "You're using too many colloquial words in this cover letter: I suggest changing "I picked up loads of cool skills" to "I acquired many positive abilities""
- "The colloquial, and at times sarcastic, tone of her books makes her popular with teenagers."
- "If you know what it means to be a “fidlet” going for a “jolly” in your “doo”, then you are part of an exclusive club that speaks colloquial Antarctic English."
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