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solecism

noun

/ˈsɒlɪsɪz(ə)m/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of solecism

A grammatical mistake, linguistic impropriety, or social faux pas in language use.
"The writer's solecism in grammar led to confusion in the sentence."

Detailed meaning of solecism

It can encompass various errors, such as incorrect grammar, pronunciation, or word choice, which deviate from the accepted norms of a language or dialect. Solecisms can occur in both written and spoken language and are often considered signs of poor language proficiency or, in certain contexts, breach of social etiquette. They may range from simple mistakes like mispronouncing a word to more significant errors like using words inappropriately or constructing sentences that lack clarity or coherence. In essence, a solecism highlights a departure from the conventional rules and standards of language usage, drawing attention to the need for correction or improvement in one's linguistic communication.

Example sentences containing solecism

1. The speaker's use of solecism made his speech difficult to understand.
2. The musician's solecism in timing caused the ensemble to fall out of sync.
3. The student's solecism in mathematics led to incorrect solutions.
4. The chef's solecism in seasoning ruined the dish.
5. The designer's solecism in color coordination made the design look unappealing.
6. The athlete's solecism in technique led to poor performance.

History and etymology of solecism

The noun 'solecism' has its etymological roots in ancient Greece. It is derived from the Greek word 'soloikismos,' which originates from 'soloikos,' meaning 'speaking incorrectly' or 'ungrammatical.' The term 'soloikismos' itself was associated with the city of Soloi in Cilicia, where residents were known for their peculiar and incorrect Greek dialect. The word gradually evolved to encompass not only linguistic improprieties but also social blunders in language use. This rich etymology of 'solecism' serves as a reminder of its historical connection to linguistic correctness and social norms, emphasizing its role in identifying grammatical mistakes and social faux pas in communication.

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Further usage examples of solecism

1. The politician's solecism in protocol caused embarrassment at the event.
2. The actor's solecism in pronunciation made the dialogue hard to follow.
3. The driver's solecism in traffic rules led to a ticket.
4. The dancer's solecism in choreography caused confusion among the troupe.
5. The programmer's solecism in coding led to bugs in the software.
6. Using "your" instead of "you're" is a common written solecism.
7. His frequent solecisms in speech made him self-conscious.
8. The teacher corrected the students' solecisms in their essays.
9. Making a grammatical solecism can undermine your credibility.
10. Her solecism during the presentation left the audience puzzled.
11. In formal writing, avoiding solecisms is essential.
12. The diplomat's language was impeccable, free from solecisms.
13. A solecism in pronunciation can affect communication.
14. Recognizing and correcting solecisms is crucial for language learners.
15. The politician's solecism became a headline in the news.
16. His persistent solecisms grated on his colleagues' nerves.
17. Avoiding solecisms is a sign of linguistic sophistication.
18. The book pointed out common solecisms in everyday speech.
19. She cringed at her own solecism during the job interview.
20. Solecisms can hinder effective cross-cultural communication.
21. The editor's job is to catch and rectify any solecisms.
22. The solecism in his email made the message confusing.
23. A solecism in legal documents can have serious consequences.
24. Learning grammar rules helps reduce linguistic solecisms.
25. The comedian used solecisms for comedic effect in his routine.