What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dialect
Example
She spoke with a Southern dialect. [dialect: noun]
Example
The dialect spoken in this region is quite distinct from the standard language. [dialect: adjective]
vernacular
Example
He wrote in the vernacular of his hometown. [vernacular: noun]
Example
The vernacular speech of the youth is often different from that of their parents. [vernacular: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dialect is more commonly used than vernacular in academic and linguistic contexts. However, vernacular is more commonly used in everyday language and popular culture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dialect and vernacular?
Dialect can be used in formal settings, such as literature or academic writing, while vernacular is typically informal and used in casual conversation or creative writing.
