Colloquial

kuh-LOH-kwee-uhl

Definition

(adjective) Used in everyday, informal speech rather than formal language.

Example

Her writing had a colloquial tone that made complex topics easy to understand.

Fun Fact

“Colloquial” comes from Latin colloquium—literally “conversation.” It’s how we speak off the cuff, full of contractions, slang, and casual phrasing. Colloquial language brings relatability and voice, especially in dialogue and branding. What’s proper in a textbook might sound stiff in a coffee shop.

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