solecism

[ sol-uh-siz-uhm, soh-luh- ]

noun

1. a nonstandard or ungrammatical usage, as unflammable and they was.
2. a breach of good manners or etiquette.
3. any error, impropriety, or inconsistency.

solecism

/ ˈsɒlɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. 1. the nonstandard use of a grammatical construction
   2. any mistake, incongruity, or absurdity
2. a violation of good manners

Derived Forms

• ˌsoleˈcistically, adverb
• ˌsoleˈcistic, adjective
• ˈsolecist, noun

Other Words From

• sole·cist noun
• sole·cistic sole·cisti·cal adjective
• sole·cisti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of solecism¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin soloecismus “grammatical mistake,” from Greek soloikismós “incorrect use of language” (whether of individual words or in syntax), equivalent to sóloik(os), adjective formed from Sólo(i) (a city in Cilicia founded by Doric-speaking Greeks from Rhodes, whose local dialect Athenians considered corrupt) + -ik(os) + -ismos; -ic, -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of solecism¹

C16: from Latin soloecismus, from Greek soloikismos, from soloikos speaking incorrectly, from Soloi an Athenian colony of Cilicia where the inhabitants spoke a corrupt form of Greek

Example Sentences

Do not even consider committing the solecism of serving it with parmigiano.

From The Daily Beast

The party was given especially in her honour, and to omit her from any description of it would be an unpardonable solecism.

From Project Gutenberg

It cut them down to vassals, but, by a legal solecism, they were regarded as a sort of free vassals.

From Project Gutenberg

For a free and extended empire on a continent are incompatible: to think they are not is a perfect solecism in politicks.

From Project Gutenberg

The fair city of Perth is a solecism in point of site, and many a flooding it gets in consequence.

From Project Gutenberg

Let us try the test of an expression somewhat kindred in etymology: such a word as would carry upon its face a damning solecism.

From Project Gutenberg