Word of the Day - 09/03/26
colloquial
/kə'loʊkwiəl/(adj.): characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation
The professor used a colloquial style in the interview, making the conversation feel natural and informal.
(adj.): of or relating to conversation
The book examines colloquial expressions and structures commonly found in ordinary conversation.
Word Origin
The word 'colloquial' originates from Late Latin 'colloquialis', which means 'of or pertaining to colloquy or conversation'. This term is derived from 'colloquium', meaning 'conversation', which itself is formed from the Latin prefix 'com-' (later 'col-' before 'l'), meaning 'together', and the verb 'loqui', meaning 'to speak'. The suffix '-al' is an adjective-forming suffix.
Words with similar origins that derive from the Latin verb 'loqui' (to speak) include 'eloquent' (e- 'out' + loqui 'to speak'), 'loquacious' (loqui 'to speak'), 'soliloquy' (solus 'alone' + loqui 'to speak'), and 'ventriloquist' (venter 'belly' + loqui 'to speak').