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demotic

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /dɪˈmɒtɪk/

KK: /dɪˈmɒtɪk/

adjective
Definition

Relating to the everyday language or speech of the common people, often used to describe a simplified or popular form of communication.


Example

The playwright used demotic language to make the dialogue more relatable to the audience.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever tried reading demotic texts from ancient Egypt?
Sloth B
No, I haven't, but I've heard they're really fascinating.
Sloth A
Yeah, they represent a simpler form of writing that was more accessible to everyday people.
Sloth B
That sounds interesting! I love learning about how language evolves over time.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
popular
common
colloquial
Antonyms
elite
formal
rare
noun
Definition

A form of the Greek language that was used in everyday conversation and writing, especially during the later periods of Greek history.


Example

Demotic is often considered the modern form of the Greek language that evolved from ancient Greek.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever studied demotic Greek?
Sloth B
No, I haven't, but it sounds interesting!
Sloth A
I read that it's quite different from classical Greek.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Demotic → It is derived from the Greek word "demotikos" (meaning popular or pertaining to the people), which comes from "demos" (meaning people). The term "demotic" refers to the common or popular form of a language, particularly in relation to the language of the people.

Memory Tip

Think of 'demos' meaning 'people' to remember that 'demotic' refers to something that is popular or common among the people.

Visually Confused Words
semiotic
despotic
dermatic
daemonic
chemotic
Is this page helpful?
Yeah, I can imagine; languages evolve so much over time.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
popular
common
vernacular
Antonyms
elite
formal
literary