Dialect
ˈdaɪəlekt
Definitions
A form of a language that is spoken in a particular region or by a particular social group, with its own vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
ˈdaɪəlekt
A regional or social variety of a language.
The local dialect included several unique words.
💡 Simply: Imagine you live in a different town than your friend. You both speak English, but you might use different words or say things in a different way, like saying 'soda' versus 'pop.' That different way of talking is called a dialect.
👶 For kids: A way of talking that's different from other people, like how some people say 'y'all' and some people don't.
More Examples
He could understand the dialect of the neighboring town.
Shakespeare's plays sometimes feature different dialects to represent characters' social standings.
How It's Used
"Linguists study the differences between various dialects."
"The dialect spoken in that rural area is quite distinct."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
to speak in a dialect
To use the characteristic vocabulary and grammar of a specific dialect.
"The actor was told to speak in a southern dialect to portray the character."
the dialect of the street
Informal or colloquial language; slang.
"He knew the dialect of the street, allowing him to blend in with the locals."
From Middle French dialecte, from Latin dialectus, from Ancient Greek διάλεκτος (diálektos, “discourse, dialect”), from διαλέγομαι (dialégomai, “to converse”).
The word 'dialect' has been used since the 14th century to describe specific ways of speaking associated with particular regions or groups.
Memory tip
Think of a 'dial' on a radio – each dial setting represents a different 'dialect' or way of speaking.
Word Origin
"discourse, conversation"