idiom Meaning & Definition
What Does Idiom Mean?
Idiom is used as a noun meaning A manner of speaking, a mode of expression peculiar to a language, language family, or group of people. It can also mean A programming construct or phraseology that is characteristic of the language.
Quick Facts About Idiom
| Part of speech | noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈɪdiəm// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | accent, dialect and phrase |
| Plural | idioms |
Idiom Definition (Noun)
- A manner of speaking, a mode of expression peculiar to a language, language family, or group of people.
In English, idiom requires the indefinite article in a phrase such as "she's an engineer", whereas in Spanish, idiom forbids it.
- A programming construct or phraseology that is characteristic of the language.
- A language or language variety; specifically, a restricted dialect used in a given historical period, context, etc.
In the idiom of the day, they were sutlers, although today they'd probably be called vendors.
- A phrasal expression that is unreliably understood literally, requiring pre-established cultural or domain-specific context to infer its intended meaning.
She often spoke in idioms, pining for salad days and complaining about pots calling the kettle black.
- An artistic style (for example, in art, architecture, or music); an instance of such a style.
the idiom of the expressionists
Synonyms of Idiom
Antonyms of Idiom
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Idiom in a Sentence
In English, idiom requires the indefinite article in a phrase such as "she's an engineer", whereas in Spanish, idiom forbids it.
Some of the usage prescriptions improved clarity and were kept; others that yielded discordant violations of idiom were eventually revised.
In the idiom of the day, they were sutlers, although today they'd probably be called vendors.
She often spoke in idioms, pining for salad days and complaining about pots calling the kettle black.
the idiom of the expressionists
Word Forms & Grammar
idiom (plural idioms or idiomata)
Words That Rhyme With Idiom
Origin of Idiom
From Middle French idiome, and its source, Late Latin idioma, from Ancient Greek ἰδίωμα (idíōma, “a peculiarity, property, a peculiar phraseology, idiom”), from ἰδιοῦσθαι (idioûsthai, “to make one's own, appropriate to oneself”), from ἴδιος (ídios, “one's own, pertaining to oneself, private, personal, peculiar, separate”). By surface analysis, idi- + -om.
How Do You Say Idiom?
The standard pronunciation of idiom is //ˈɪdiəm//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Questions People Ask About Idiom
What part of speech is idiom?
Idiom is a noun.
What is another word for idiom?
Close synonyms of idiom are accent, dialect and phrase. See the full list of idiom synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of idiom?
The plural of idiom is idioms.