The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

vernacular

IPA:

Dictionary definition of vernacular

The native or natural language of a particular place, group or community.
"He was criticized for using outdated vernacular in his speech."

Detailed meaning of vernacular

It is the everyday language spoken by people in a specific region or culture, as opposed to a literary or official language. It is the informal language, often spoken by the common people and it is not necessarily the official language of a country.

Vernacular can also refer to the use of a specific language or dialect in literature, architecture, or other forms of artistic expression. In architecture, vernacular refers to the traditional or indigenous building styles and techniques that are specific to a particular region or culture. In literature, it refers to the use of local language, idioms, and expressions.

Vernacular can also refer to the language spoken by a particular profession or group, such as medical vernacular or legal vernacular.

Example sentences containing vernacular

1. The vernacular spoken in that region is rich in dialects.
2. She easily switches between English and her native vernacular.
3. The book was written in the vernacular of the common people.
4. They conducted the meeting in the local vernacular.
5. Learning the vernacular is essential when traveling abroad.
6. The poet's verses capture the essence of the vernacular.

History and etymology of vernacular

The noun 'vernacular' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'vernaculus,' which means 'domestic' or 'native.' It's derived from 'verna,' referring to a slave born in the master's household, implying something that is indigenous or native to a particular place. 'Vernacular' thus aptly describes the native or natural language of a specific place, group, or community. Over time, it transitioned into English with the same sense, emphasizing the language spoken by ordinary people in a particular region or culture. The etymology of 'vernacular' underscores its connection to the indigenous or native tongue of a community, highlighting its cultural and linguistic significance in the context of a specific locale or group.

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Further usage examples of vernacular

1. The diversity of vernaculars in this country is astounding.
2. This song combines modern beats with traditional vernacular.
3. His writing reflects the vernacular of the urban streets.
4. The play's dialogue is steeped in the vernacular of the era.
5. They're trying to preserve the dying vernacular of the tribe.
6. The vernacular used in legal documents can be complex.
7. She studied the regional vernaculars for her linguistics project.
8. It's important to understand the vernacular to connect with locals.
9. The artist's work celebrates the vernacular of rural life.
10. The film features characters speaking in various vernaculars.
11. In some areas, the vernacular has evolved over centuries.
12. He's known for his research on indigenous vernaculars.
13. The poet's vernacular captures the spirit of the community.
14. She's fluent in multiple vernaculars due to her travels.
15. He was praised for his ability to speak in the local vernacular.
16. She was criticized for her poor use of the company's vernacular.
17. The company's official communications were in a specialized vernacular.
18. He was known for his use of colloquial vernacular in his writing.
19. She was praised for her fluency in multiple vernaculars.
20. The group's music was heavily influenced by the vernacular of their homeland.
21. She was praised for her ability to translate technical vernacular into layman's terms.
22. The politician was criticized for his use of jargon and obscure vernacular.
23. He was known for his use of poetic vernacular in his poetry.
24. She was praised for her ability to convey complex ideas in plain vernacular.
25. The company's website was available in multiple vernaculars to reach a wider audience.