View synonyms for colloquial

colloquial

[ kuh-loh-kwee-uhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal.
Antonyms: formal
involving or using conversation.

colloquial

/ kəˈləʊkwɪəl /

adjective

of or relating to conversation
denoting or characterized by informal or conversational idiom or vocabulary Compare informal

Discover More

Derived Forms

colˈloquialness, noun
colˈloquially, adverb

Discover More

Other Words From

col·loqui·al·ly adverb
col·loqui·al·ness col·loqui·ali·ty noun
quasi-col·loqui·al adjective
quasi-col·loqui·al·ly adverb
semi·col·loqui·al adjective
semi·col·loqui·al·ly adverb
uncol·loqui·al adjective
uncol·loqui·al·ly adverb

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of colloquial¹

First recorded in 1745–55; colloquy + -al ¹

Discover More

Synonym Study

Colloquial, conversational, informal refer to types of speech or to usages not on a formal level. Colloquial is often mistakenly used with a connotation of disapproval, as if it meant “vulgar” or “bad” or “incorrect” usage, whereas it is merely a familiar style used in speaking and writing. Conversational refers to a style used in the oral exchange of ideas, opinions, etc.: an easy conversational style. Informal means without formality, without strict attention to set forms, unceremonious: an informal manner of speaking; it describes the ordinary, everyday language of cultivated speakers.

Discover More

Example Sentences

He often distinguishes himself as someone who sticks up for neighborhood identity — what some consider a dog whistle for “NIMBYism,” a colloquial term for opposition to large multifamily housing projects or other unwelcome development.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s irresponsible — or “extreme” in the colloquial argot of politics these days — to falsely shout, “Fire!” in a crowded theater.

From Los Angeles Times

Today, Australia is home to roughly 0.33% of the world's population, but a fifth of all “pokies”- the colloquial term used for the machines.

From BBC

The whole book is written very much in colloquial language.

From Salon

Other memorable images in Thomson's catalogue include the 'mush-fakers' in Clapham, who sold and repaired umbrellas - their colloquial name coming from the mushroom shape of the umbrellas.

From BBC

Related Words

colloq.colloquialism

Browse