WordValevernacular
building in a local, traditional style using local materials
the everyday language of ordinary people
In more detail
1. (noun) the everyday language spoken by ordinary people in a particular region or country, not formal or literary language
2. (adjective) relating to or written in the everyday language of a particular place rather than in a formal, official, or literary language
Examples
- 1. The novel is written in the local vernacular, making it easy for people in that region to understand.
- 2. Vernacular architecture uses traditional building styles and local materials common to a specific area.
How to use vernacular
Vernacular refers to the natural, informal language used by ordinary people in daily life, as distinct from formal, literary, or official registers. It emphasizes authenticity and local usage patterns rather than standardized rules. The term can apply to vocabulary, pronunciation, or grammar that characterizes a specific community or region.
Common phrases
- vernacular language
- in the vernacular
- vernacular speech
- vernacular architecture
- vernacular expression
- vernacular tradition
Synonyms
colloquial language · dialect · local speech · common parlance · everyday language
Opposites
formal language · literary language · standard language
Word family
vernacularly (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use 'vernacular' to mean any language that is not English, when it actually refers specifically to informal, everyday language in any community, including English-speaking ones.
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