idiomatic

Definition

Pertaining or conforming to idiom, the natural mode of expression of a language.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἰδιωματικός (idiōmatikós, “related to an idiom”), from ἰδίωμα (idíōma, “idiom”).

Example Sentences

• "The inclusion or omission of definite articles follows idiomatic norms in each language and depends on context and intent."
• "In English, the only idiomatic position for a pronoun as the object of a phrasal verb is before the particle, whereas a noun as object can fall either before or after the particle; thus only he picked them up but either he picked his tools up or he picked up his tools."
• "An idiomatic phrase that warns us against Pollyannaism is "don't count your chickens before they're hatched"."

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