dialects

noun

(linguistics, broad sense) A variety of a language that is characteristic of a particular area, community, or social group, differing from other varieties of the same language in relatively minor ways as regards grammar, phonology, and lexicon.

(linguistics, strict sense) A lect (often a regional or minority language) as part of a group or family of languages, especially if they are viewed as a single language, or if contrasted with a standardized idiom that is considered the 'true' form of the language (for example, Bavarian as contrasted with Standard German).

(derogatory) Language that is perceived as substandard or wrong.

(colloquial, offensive) A language existing only in an oral or non-standardized form, especially a language spoken in a developing country or an isolated region.

(computing, programming) A variant of a non-standardized programming language.

(ornithology) A variant form of the vocalizations of a bird species restricted to a certain area or population.

Roots

diadia- · Greek · through, across lego-lect · Latin · gather, choose

Synonyms & related words for dialects

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Words related to dialects

Explore words related to dialects — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include accent, idiom, languages, idioglossia, patois, dialectology, dialectologist, idiolect. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Where does dialects come from?

The word dialects breaks down into 2 roots of Greek and Latin origin: dia-, from Greek dia (“through, across”); and -lect, from Latin lego (“gather, choose”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.