adjective
C2
Proficient
colloquial
kuh-LOH-kwee-ul
Colloquial (adjective) means belonging to ordinary conversation rather than to formal or written language. Example: “Kids is the colloquial word for children.”
adjective
1
Belonging to ordinary conversation rather than to formal or written language.
"Kids is the colloquial word for children."
"The essay slips into a colloquial tone in the final paragraph."
How to use colloquial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe way people actually talk, rather than the way they write formally.
When to use it
A neutral descriptive label used by dictionaries and style guides; it describes register, not poor English.
Memory tip
The noun is colloquialism, meaning a single conversational word or phrase.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
colloquial English
colloquial expression
colloquial usage
a colloquial tone
colloquially known as
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Kids is the _____ word for children.
Etymology
From Latin colloquium meaning a conversation, from com- together and loqui to speak.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for colloquial
See all rhymes for colloquial →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between colloquial and slang?
Colloquial language is ordinary spoken English that almost everyone uses and understands, such as a bit or loads of. Slang is narrower, newer and tied to a particular group or moment, and can puzzle outsiders. All slang is colloquial, but most colloquial language is not slang.
Is colloquial language incorrect?
No. It is simply a different register. It is out of place in a legal filing or a research paper, but it is exactly right in speech, dialogue and most journalism.
What is the difference between colloquial and vernacular?
Colloquial contrasts casual speech with formal usage within a language. Vernacular usually means the everyday language of a particular place or community as opposed to a prestige or official language.
What is the meaning of colloquial?
"colloquial" (adjective) means belonging to ordinary conversation rather than to formal or written language.
