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colloquially

colloquially

5 7.2
In informal speech or writing using everyday words
  • adverb
  • /kəˈloʊkwɪəli/
: coloquialmente
  • Which is interesting because we refer colloquially to lines of latitude as parallels.
  • colloquially known
  • referred to colloquially

It is what we have colloquially called collusion with Russia.

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Examples

  • BSE, colloquially known as "mad cow disease," causes cattle to progressively lose motor control and eventually die.

    Academic text (2013)
  • It's colloquially known as Toilets Before Temples program.

  • That is colloquially called gain of function research.

  • And then there is something called colloquially the black Book.

  • Or, as we might say more colloquially, we were 'naming it'.

    Blog text (19)
  • While Christian altar calls are colloquially referred to as "come to Jesus" moments,

    Blog text (9)
  • The tool we're going to use is colloquially known as a wiggler.

  • As one man colloquially put it, "Tourists are passive; cows to be milked."

    Academic text (2000)
  • Though it has yet to be tested in the courts, police officers have started to engage in a practice colloquially known as "wardriving" to locate stolen electronic devices.

    Academic text (2017)
  • In casual conversation, we colloquially refer to great difficulty as a "pain in the neck."

Synonyms

informally
vscolloquially
4 4.1

Using everyday words people use when speaking rather than formal language

focuses more on nonstandard local or casual words rather than neutral everyday words
conversationally
vscolloquially
  • Informal
2 4.8

In an informal, friendly way like when you speak to a friend

covers both casual speech and everyday writing including nonstandard words
slangily
vscolloquially
1 9.3

Someone speaks or writes using informal slang words

is broader, covering common everyday and nonstandard words beyond narrow group terms

Antonyms

formally
  • Formal
150 3.7

In a formal, official way that follows the rules

How Informal

slangily
1 9.3
casually
94 2.5
colloquially
5 7.2
conversationally
  • Informal
2 4.8
formally
  • Formal
150 3.7

Surface Forms

colloquially positive

Morphology

colloquially = colloquial (transparent) = colloquial + ly

The adverb is a regular derivation from the adjective 'colloquial' with the predictable meaning 'in a colloquial manner'.

Etymology

The word colloquially comes from Latin parts col- meaning 'together' and loqui meaning 'to speak', the same loqui you see in eloquent. Think of it as 'speaking together' like a friendly conversation, so colloquially means saying something in an informal, everyday way.