Idiom

Quick meaning: Idiom is a noun meaning A manner of speaking, a mode of expression peculiar to a language, language family, or group of people.

Meaning

A manner of speaking, a mode of expression peculiar to a language, language family, or group of people.

More Meanings

1. A language or language variety; specifically, a restricted dialect used in a given historical period, context, etc.
2. An established phrasal expression whose meaning may not be deducible from the literal meanings of its component words.
3. An artistic style (for example, in art, architecture, or music); an instance of such a style.

Example Sentences

the idiom of the expressionists

In the idiom of the day, they were sutlers, although today they'd probably be called vendors.

She often spoke in idioms, pining for salad days and complaining about pots calling the kettle black.

In English, idiom requires the indefinite article in a phrase such as "she's an engineer", whereas in Spanish, idiom forbids it.

Word Forms

• idioms
• idiomata

Synonyms for idiom

Depending on context, synonyms include dialect, language, languoid, lect, vernacular, expression.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include parlance, phrase, dialect, accent, locution, language.

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