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vernacular

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /vɜːrˈnækjʊlər/

KK: /vɜrˈnækjələr/

adjective
Definition

Relating to the language or dialect that is native to a specific region or community, often used in everyday conversation rather than formal speech.


Example

The author used vernacular language to make the story more relatable to local readers.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever noticed how different our vernacular is from the rest of the country?
Sloth B
Totally! I sometimes have to explain what I mean to people from other regions.
Sloth A
Yeah, it's interesting how our local expressions make conversations unique.
Sloth B
Exactly! It really shows the charm of our culture.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
native
local
indigenous
Antonyms
foreign
exotic
standard
noun
Definition

A type of everyday language that is specific to a certain group of people or region, often different from formal or literary language.


Example

In the legal vernacular, certain terms have very specific meanings that differ from everyday use.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever thought about how different the vernacular is in different parts of the country?
Sloth B
Definitely! It's fascinating how people use unique expressions based on where they're from.
Sloth A
Right? I mean, even in our city, there are phrases that only locals understand.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Vernacular → It is formed from "vernaculus" (meaning native or domestic) in Latin, which is derived from "verna" (meaning a slave born in the house). The word refers to the native language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular region.

Memory Tip

Think of 'native' ('vernaculus') to remember that 'vernacular' refers to the everyday language spoken by the people in a specific area.

Visually Confused Words
invernacular
nonvernacular
venular
unvernicular
tabernacular
supernacular
hibernacular
gubernacular
Is this page helpful?
Exactly! It really shows how language evolves in different communities.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dialect
idiom
jargon
Antonyms
standard
formal
literary