What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
idiolect
Example
Her idiolect is heavily influenced by the dialect of her hometown. [idiolect: noun]
Example
He has developed his own idiolect over the years, incorporating slang and colloquialisms. [idiolect: noun]
language
Example
English is a widely spoken language around the world. [language: noun]
Example
She is fluent in several languages, including French and Spanish. [languages: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Language is a more common term than idiolect in everyday language, as it is used to refer to the communication system of entire communities and countries. Idiolect is a more specialized term used mainly in linguistics and language studies.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between idiolect and language?
Language can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while idiolect is usually informal and reflects the speaker's personality and background. Therefore, language is generally considered more formal than idiolect.
