colloquial

[ kuh-loh-kwee-uhl ]
/ kəˈloʊ kwi əl /

adjective

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

Origin of colloquial

First recorded in 1745–55; colloquy + -al1

synonym study for colloquial

1, 2. 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.

OTHER WORDS FROM colloquial

Example sentences from the Web for colloquial

British Dictionary definitions for colloquial

colloquial
/ (kəˈləʊkwɪəl) /

adjective

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

Derived forms of colloquial

colloquially, adverb colloquialness, noun