noun Uncommon

vernacular

vuh-NAK-yuh-luh

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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.”

noun

The everyday, informal language spoken by ordinary people in a particular place, as opposed to formal or literary language.

"The novel is written in the local vernacular rather than standard English."

"He slipped into medical vernacular that patients found confusing."

adj

Relating to this kind of everyday, local language or style.

"The house is a fine example of vernacular architecture, built from local stone."

How to use vernacular

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe everyday way people actually talk (or build, or make things) in a particular place, as opposed to the "official" or formal version.

Common pairings

local vernacular vernacular architecture everyday vernacular

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: vernaculars
Comparative: more vernacular
Superlative: most vernacular

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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.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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cant slang jargon lingo argot patois vulgar common

Antonyms

unvernacular

Related words

public general community common bank park green individual

Rhymes for vernacular

ocular insular regular secular tubular angular jugular popular modular singular circular cellular

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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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