adjective

colloquial

/kəˈloʊkwiəl/ · say it: kuh·LOH·kwee·uhl

characteristic of informal, everyday speech

In Literary English

In more detail

1. (adjective) used in informal, everyday conversation rather than in formal speech or writing

2. (adjective) characteristic of or belonging to ordinary people in casual settings

Examples

1. 'Gonna' is a colloquial way of saying 'going to'.
2. The author used colloquial language to make the dialogue feel more natural and realistic.

How to use colloquial

Colloquial describes language, expressions, or communication styles that are typical of relaxed, ordinary conversation rather than formal writing or academic contexts. It is often used in linguistics and grammar discussions to label words or phrases that belong to spoken registers. While colloquial does not necessarily mean incorrect or inappropriate, it signals that something is too informal for formal academic writing, professional communication, or ceremonial contexts.

Common phrases

colloquial language
colloquial expression
colloquial term
colloquial usage
colloquial speech

Synonyms

conversational · informal · casual · spoken · everyday

Opposites

formal · literary · technical

Word family

colloquialism (noun) · colloquially (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse colloquial with colloquy (a conversation or dialogue); colloquial refers to the style of language itself, not the act of conversing.

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