Synonyms for

Vernacular

Verb / vɜ:ˈnækjʌlɜ: / Another word for vernacular — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Vernacular refers to the language or dialect spoken by ordinary people in a particular country or region.

Synonyms & similar words

argot cant slang common vulgar jargon patois lingo dialect language jargon slang colloquialism patois patter argot cant lingo idiom parlance expression speech

Synonyms by register

Formal

indigenous native local regional

Informal

slang jargon dialect lingo patois

Literary

mother tongue native tongue vernacular tongue

Antonyms

standard formal official literary prestigious educated classical

Common collocations

  • local vernacular
  • vernacular language
  • vernacular literature
  • vernacular architecture
  • vernacular speech
  • vernacular tradition
  • vernacular music

Word family

noun vernacular
adjective vernacular

Usage note

Refers to the everyday language spoken by people in a particular country or region, often in contrast to a formal or literary language. It can also refer to the indigenous style in art or architecture.

Example sentences

  1. The vernacular of this region includes a lot of French words because of its history.
  2. His writing style is very different from the vernacular used by most writers today.
  3. Learning the vernacular of a new country is always a fun challenge.
  4. The vernacular of the younger generation is often very different from that of the older generation.
  5. The vernacular of the urban population is often very different from that of the rural population.

Quotes

  • The vernacular is always preferable to the academic or formal language.
  • The vernacular is the language that comes from the ground up.
  • In America, the vernacular tradition is a living one, and it is something that we can all draw from.

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