Idioms are an essential part of any language, forming a large portion of everyday speech and writing. They allow speakers to express complex ideas or emotions in a concise, figurative manner. However, idioms can often confuse language learners, as their meanings cannot be derived from the literal meaning of the words used. Understanding idioms is important for mastering a language and is a key focus in language acquisition and cultural studies.
Word 'Idiom' in Other Languages
- Idiom in Assamese অসমীয়া
- Idiom in Bengali বাংলা
- Idiom in Bodo बड़ो
- Idiom in Dogri डोगरी
- Idiom in English
- Idiom in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- Idiom in Hindi हिन्दी
- Idiom in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- Idiom in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- Idiom in Konkani कोंकणी
- Idiom in Maithili মৈথিলী
- Idiom in Malayalam മലയാളം
- Idiom in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- Idiom in Marathi मराठी
- Idiom in Nepali नेपाली
- Idiom in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- Idiom in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- Idiom in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- Idiom in Santali
- Idiom in Sindhi سنڌي
- Idiom in Tamil தமிழ்
- Idiom in Telugu తెలుగు
- Idiom in Urdu اُردُو
Idiom
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈɪdiəm/
Definitions
- A phrase or expression whose meaning is different from the meanings of the individual words in it, such as “kick the bucket” meaning “to die.”
- A characteristic mode of expression in a language, often a form of figurative speech.
- A style or manner of speaking particular to a group or individual.
Usage Examples
- "Break a leg" is a common idiom used to wish someone good luck.
- In English, “raining cats and dogs” is an idiom used to describe heavy rain.
Etymology
The word "idiom" comes from the Greek "idiōma," meaning “special feature,” “peculiar phrase,” or “distinct expression.” It is related to the word "idiomatic," which refers to expressions unique to a particular language.
Synonyms
- Expression
- Phrase
- Locution
- Turn of phrase
Antonyms
- Literal speech
- Direct speech
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Modismo | /moˈðizmo/ |
| French | Idiom | /idjɔm/ |
| German | Redewendung | /ˈʁeːdəˌvɛndʊŋ/ |
| Italian | Idiom | /idˈiɔm/ |
| Russian | Идиома | /ɪdʲɪˈomə/ |
| Chinese | 习语 | /xí yǔ/ |
| Hindi | मुहावरा | /muhāvra/ |
| Bengali | প্রবাদ | /prôbad/ |
| Tamil | பொதுவான வார்த்தை | /pothuvāṉ vāṟttai/ |
| Telugu | నిఖార్సైన పదబంధం | /nikhārśaina padabandham/ |
| Arabic | مَثل | /mathal/ |
| Portuguese | Idiom | /idjɔm/ |
| Japanese | 成句 | /seiku/ |
| Greek | Ιδιωματισμός | /idʝomatismós/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- UK: /ˈɪdiəm/
- US: /ˈɪdiəm/
- Australia: /ˈɪdiəm/
Historical Usage
The term "idiom" has been in use since the 16th century, derived from the Greek word "idioma," meaning "a distinctive style or form of expression." Over the centuries, idioms have played a key role in language evolution, reflecting cultural and historical influences on speech patterns.
Cultural Nuances
Idioms often hold cultural significance and can provide insight into the values and historical context of a particular group. For instance, "the ball is in your court" suggests the responsibility to act, originating from the world of tennis, while “kick the bucket” refers to death, reflecting a less direct approach to discussing mortality.