vernacular
Vernacular (noun) means the everyday, informal language spoken by ordinary people in a particular place, as opposed to formal or literary language. Example: “The novel is written in the local vernacular rather than standard English.”
How to use vernacular
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe everyday way people actually talk (or build, or make things) in a particular place, as opposed to the "official" or formal version.
Word forms
more vernacular comparative, vernaculars plural, most vernacular superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The novel is written in the local _____ rather than standard English.
Etymology
From Latin vernaculus, "native, domestic," originally describing something belonging to home-born slaves — later broadened to mean anything native or local.
Related words
Rhymes for vernacular
See all rhymes for vernacular →Frequently asked questions
What does “vernacular” mean?
The word “vernacular” means the everyday, informal language spoken by ordinary people in a particular place, as opposed to formal or literary language. In plain terms, the everyday way people actually talk (or build, or make things) in a particular place, as opposed to the "official" or formal version.
How do you pronounce “vernacular”?
“Vernacular” is pronounced vuh-NAK-yuh-luh (/vɚˈnækjəlɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “vernacular” in a sentence?
Here is “vernacular” used in a sentence: “The novel is written in the local vernacular rather than standard English.”
What is the opposite of “vernacular”?
The opposite of “vernacular” — its antonyms — is unvernacular.
What part of speech is “vernacular”?
Depending on how it is used, “vernacular” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “vernacular” come from?
The word “vernacular” comes from Latin. From Latin vernaculus, "native, domestic," originally describing something belonging to home-born slaves — later broadened to mean anything native or local.
Is “vernacular” a common word?
“Vernacular” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “vernacular” have?
“Vernacular” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the everyday, informal language spoken by ordinary people in a particular place, as opposed to formal or literary language.
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