language
gb/lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/ us/lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/
A1
English
~ 500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A1
entity
1
system of human communication
Words and rules used by people to talk or write to each other.
Usage pattern:
[someone] speaks [a language]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'language' with 'dialect'; a dialect is a regional variety of a language, not a separate language.
Synonyms
tongue (More formal or literary term for a language, often used in cultural contexts.)
Antonyms
silence (The absence of spoken communication.)
Collocations
foreign language
|native language
|language skills
|language barrier
|sign language
Themes
communication
|culture
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- English is the most widely studied language in the world.
- She speaks three languages fluently.
- Sign language is essential for many deaf people.
- The language of the contract is very technical.
- Learning a new language can open up opportunities.
Learner examples
- I am learning the English language.
- Spanish is my first language.
- Many people speak the Chinese language.
- French is a beautiful language.
Noun
B1
entity
2
style of speaking or writing
The way someone speaks or writes, including the words they choose.
Usage pattern:
[someone] uses [a type of] language
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think 'language' here means a different national language, but it refers to style or choice of words.
Synonyms
wording (Focuses more on the specific choice of words rather than overall style.)
Antonyms
silence (No spoken or written expression at all.)
Collocations
formal language
|offensive language
|figurative language
|polite language
Themes
communication
|literature
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The teacher encouraged the use of polite language in class.
- His speech was full of figurative language.
- Legal documents often contain formal language.
- The movie contains strong language and may not be suitable for children.
Learner examples
- He uses polite language with his boss.
- The book has very simple language.
- The sign has rude language on it.
Noun
B2
entity
3
specialized communication system
A way of communicating using signs, symbols, or special words for a certain group or subject.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with national languages, but it refers to symbolic systems beyond spoken languages.
Synonyms
code (Emphasizes symbolic representation, especially in computing or secret communication.)
Collocations
computer language
|body language
|programming language
Themes
technology
|science
|communication
|education
Examples
- Python is a popular programming language.
- Mathematics can be considered a universal language.
- Body language often reveals more than words.
Learner examples
- We learn the Java programming language at school.
- Body language can show you are happy.
- Math is like a world language.
Grammar
Dictionary form
language
IPA
GB/lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/
US/lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/
Syllables & stress
lan - guage (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (lan)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: language
- Plural: language, languages
Word family
Forms
languages
noun
Core family
linguistic
adjective B2
linguist
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
nonlinguistic
adjective
Advanced or less common
linguistically
adverb
bilingualism
noun
Expressions
bad language
1/bˈæd lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
offensive words in speech/writing
Rude or impolite words in talking or writing.
Examples
- The teacher warned him about using bad language.
- That movie has a lot of bad language.
foreign language
1/fˈɔɹən lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
non-native language
A language that is not from your country or culture.
Examples
- Learning a foreign language can be challenging.
- French is a foreign language for me.
native language
1/nˈeɪtɪv lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
first learned language
The first language you learn as a child.
Examples
- Her native language is Spanish.
- English is not his native language.
sign language
1/sˈaɪn lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
visual manual communication system
A way of talking using hand movements and expressions instead of sounds.
Examples
- She is fluent in American Sign Language.
- Sign language helps many deaf people communicate.
language barrier
1/lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ bˈɛɹiɚ/
fixed phrase
difficulty communicating due to different languages
A problem in talking because people speak different languages.
Examples
- Travelers may face a language barrier when visiting new countries.
- The language barrier made it hard to order food in the small village.
- The project was delayed because of the language barrier between teams.
- Overcoming the language barrier was their first challenge at work.