dialect
5 synonyms for dialect, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A form of a language spoken in a particular region or by a particular group, differing from the standard version in vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciation.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use dialect
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
regional dialect
speak in dialect
a dialect of Chinese
Etymology
From French dialecte, from Greek dialektos ("conversation, local speech"), from dialegesthai ("to converse").
Full origin of dialect →Frequently asked questions
What does “dialect” mean?
The word “dialect” means a form of a language spoken in a particular region or by a particular group, differing from the standard version in vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciation. In plain terms, a regional or social variety of a language, with its own words, sounds, or grammar quirks.
How do you pronounce “dialect”?
“Dialect” is pronounced DEYE-uh-lehkt (/ˈdaɪ.əˌlɛkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “dialect” in a sentence?
Here is “dialect” used in a sentence: “The novel is written partly in a Yorkshire dialect.”
What part of speech is “dialect”?
“Dialect” is a noun.
Where does the word “dialect” come from?
The word “dialect” comes from French. From French dialecte, from Greek dialektos ("conversation, local speech"), from dialegesthai ("to converse").
Is “dialect” a common word?
“Dialect” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a "dialect" and a "language"?
A dialect is a regional or social variation of a language that differs in vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciation but remains largely mutually understandable with other varieties of that language. A separate language is usually distinguished by a lack of mutual intelligibility, though in practice the line between dialect and language can be blurry and is often influenced by political or cultural factors rather than linguistics alone.
What is the difference between a "dialect" and an "accent"?
An accent refers only to differences in pronunciation, while a dialect involves differences in vocabulary and grammar as well as pronunciation. In other words, every dialect includes an accent, but an accent alone does not make something a distinct dialect.
Does speaking a "dialect" mean someone is speaking incorrectly?
No, a dialect is simply a legitimate regional or group variation of a language rather than an incorrect version of a standard form. Linguists treat dialects as equally valid systems of communication, even though one dialect may be designated the "standard" for education or official use.
