Idiom

Pronunciation: /ˈɪdiəm/

Definitions of idiom

noun a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words (e.g., rain cats and dogs, see the light)

Example Sentences

A1 An idiom is a group of words that has a different meaning than the literal words.

A2 Learning idioms in a new language can be challenging, but it's important for fluency.

B1 Using idioms in conversation can make your speech more colorful and interesting.

B2 It's helpful to understand idioms when reading literature or watching movies in a foreign language.

C1 Mastering idioms can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in a second language.

C2 Some idioms are deeply rooted in a country's history and may not make sense to outsiders.

Examples of idiom in a Sentence

formal Understanding the meaning behind each idiom is important for language learners.

informal Don't take everything he says literally, he's always using idioms.

slang She's always dropping cool idioms in her conversations.

figurative The idiom 'raining cats and dogs' means it's raining heavily.

Grammatical Forms of idiom

• past tense: idiomed
• plural: idioms
• comparative: more idiomatic
• superlative: most idiomatic
• present tense: idiom
• future tense: will idiom
• perfect tense: have idiom
• continuous tense: is idiom-ing
• singular: idiom
• positive degree: very idiomatic
• infinitive: to idiom
• gerund: idioming
• participle: idiomed

Origin and Evolution of idiom

First Known Use: 1588 year

Language of Origin: Latin and Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'idiom' comes from the Latin word 'idioma', which in turn is derived from the Greek word 'idiōma' meaning 'peculiarity'

Evolution of the word: Initially used in English to refer to a characteristic mode of expression in music or art, the term 'idiom' evolved to encompass a distinctive style of speaking or writing that is characteristic of a particular group of people or culture.