Definition for: idiom

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English

Pronunciation

• AHD: ĭd'ē-əm , IPA: /ˈɪdɪəm/ , SAMPA: /"IdI@m/

Etymology

From Greek ιδίωμα (idioma), "the local dialect of an area that varies from the main dialect from which it came from", from Ancient Greek ιδιούμαι (idioumai), "to usurp, to appropriate", from ίδιος (idios) "mine, belonging to me"

Noun

idiom ( plural idioms )

1. A phrase that cannot be fully understood from the separate meanings of the individual words which form it, but instead must be learned as a whole unit of meaning.

   You can't translate "kick the bucket" word for word into French with the same meaning because it's an idiom.

2. A manner of speaking, a way of expressing oneself.
3. A style (of art, architecture, music, etc.).
4. An instance of such style.
5. The specific property of any language.

Synonyms

• ( phrase ): expression ( loosely ), form of words ( loosely ), phrase ( loosely )

Related terms

• idiomatic
• idiomatical
• idiomatically

Translations

phrase that can't be understood from its component words

manner of speaking

style of art, etc

instance of such style

specific property of any language

See also

• exocentric compound
• listeme
• Category:Idioms for examples

Other Translations for "idiom"

Braille 6 Dot
Braille 8 Dot
Sign Language Spelling
Morse Code		idiom
Hex		69 e4 69 6f ed
Pig Latin		idiomway

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