dialectal

[ dahy-uh-lek-tl ]

adjective

1. of a dialect.
2. characteristic of a dialect.

Confusables Note

In linguistics dialectal, not dialectical, is the term more commonly used to denote regional or social language variation: Dialectal variation is more marked in the South than elsewhere in the United States. In general writing either term may be found.

Other Words From

• dia·lectal·ly adverb
• inter·dia·lectal adjective
• inter·dia·lectal·ly adverb
• nondi·a·lectal adjective
• nondi·a·lectal·ly adverb
• subdi·a·lectal adjective
• subdi·a·lectal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of dialectal¹

First recorded in 1825–35; dialect + -al ¹

Example Sentences

In other words, when, in my books, Italian succumbs and takes on dialectal cadences, it’s a sign that, in the language as well, past and present are getting anxiously, painfully confused.

From The Guardian

Among other things, Precire analyzes word selection and certain word combinations, sentence structures, dialectal influences, errors, filler words, pronunciations and intonations.

From Scientific American

Is there any way to let her know that I think people in the workplace will judge her for this harmless dialectal tendency?

From Washington Post

You seldom yield to dialectal colour: you use a few words, but you usually prefer the formula “he/she said in dialect.”

From The Guardian

He uses several approaches in his practice including cognitive behavioral and dialectal therapies.

From Wall Street Journal