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adj Common

linguistic

lihng-GWIHS-tihk

Linguistic (adj) means relating to language or the study of language. Example: “The report highlighted the linguistic diversity of the region.”

adj
1
Relating to language or the study of language.
"The report highlighted the linguistic diversity of the region."
"Her linguistic skills made her ideal for the translation job."

How to use linguistic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving to do with language or how languages work.

Common pairings
linguistic diversity linguistic skills linguistic analysis
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Test yourself on “linguistic” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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The report highlighted the _____ diversity of the region.

Etymology

Borrowed from German linguistisch, built from linguist plus -ic, and ultimately from Latin lingua ("tongue, language"). In use in English since the early 1800s.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1800

Class of 1800 linguistic joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
philological linguistical

Related words

Rhymes for linguistic

See all rhymes for linguistic →

Frequently asked questions

What does “linguistic” mean?

The word “linguistic” means relating to language or the study of language. In plain terms, having to do with language or how languages work.

How do you pronounce “linguistic”?

“Linguistic” is pronounced lihng-GWIHS-tihk (/lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “linguistic” in a sentence?

Here is “linguistic” used in a sentence: “The report highlighted the linguistic diversity of the region.”

What is another word for “linguistic”?

Words with a similar meaning to “linguistic” include linguistical.

What part of speech is “linguistic”?

“Linguistic” is an adjective.

Where does the word “linguistic” come from?

The word “linguistic” dates back to around 1800 and comes from Latin. Borrowed from German linguistisch, built from linguist plus -ic, and ultimately from Latin lingua ("tongue, language"). In use in English since the early 1800s.

Is “linguistic” a common word?

“Linguistic” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between "linguistic" and "language-related"?

"Linguistic" and "language-related" mean essentially the same thing — relating to language or its study — but "linguistic" is the more formal, standard adjective used in academic and technical writing.

What is the difference between "linguistic" and "linguistical"?

"Linguistic" and "linguistical" both mean relating to language or its study, but "linguistic" is by far the more common and standard form. "Linguistical" is a rarer variant with the same meaning.

When would you use "linguistic" instead of "grammatical"?

"Linguistic" is broader, covering all aspects of language including sound, meaning, structure, and use, while "grammatical" narrowly concerns rules of sentence structure and word form. Use "linguistic" when discussing language in general and "grammatical" when focusing specifically on grammar.

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