adj
Common
linguistic
lihng-GWIHS-tihk
Linguistic (adj) means relating to language or the study of language. Example: “The linguistic differences between the two dialects surprised the visiting students.”
adj
1
Relating to language or the study of language.
"Swearing doesn't just mean what we now understand by "dirty words". It is entwined, in social and linguistic history, with the other sort of swearing: vows and oaths."
— Sam Leith, Where the profound meets the profane (2013)
"The linguistic differences between the two dialects surprised the visiting students."
"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 notesIn plain EnglishHaving to do with language or how languages work.
Common pairings
linguistic diversity
linguistic skills
linguistic analysis
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The _____ differences between the two dialects surprised the visiting students.
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.
Class of 1800
linguistic joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
nonlinguistic
Related words
Rhymes for linguistic
holistic
sadistic
artistic
autistic
logistic
heuristic
statistic
realistic
ballistic
hedonistic
futuristic
optimistic
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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