language (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/læŋɡwɪdʒ/

Meaning and Usage

The term "language" refers to a system of communication used by a particular community or country, consisting of written and spoken words, along with gestures and symbols. It can also denote the way in which something is expressed; the style of discourse.

Frequency of Use: "Language" is commonly used in both oral and written contexts. It is frequently encountered in discussions around linguistics, sociology, communication, education, and more.

Example Sentences

1. Language is a key part of culture and identity.
   (El lenguaje es una parte clave de la cultura y la identidad.)

2. Many people are learning a second language to broaden their career opportunities.
   (Muchas personas están aprendiendo un segundo idioma para ampliar sus oportunidades profesionales.)

3. The language used in legal documents can be quite complex.
   (El lenguaje utilizado en los documentos legales puede ser bastante complejo.)

Idiomatic Expressions

While “language” itself may not lend itself as easily to idiomatic expressions as some other words, it frequently appears in phrases that convey particular meanings:

1. The language of love: Refers to the non-verbal expressions of affection.
   (El lenguaje del amor es la forma en que mostramos nuestro afecto sin palabras.)

2. Body language: Refers to non-verbal communication through body movements, facial expressions, and gestures.
   (El lenguaje corporal puede decir mucho más que las palabras.)

3. Speak the same language: To understand each other well, often used in contexts of agreement.
   (Cuando trabajamos juntos, realmente hablamos el mismo idioma.)

4. Lost in translation: Something that is not conveyed properly between languages or mediums.
   (A veces, el significado se pierde en la traducción.)

5. The language of the heart: Refers to deep emotional communication.
   (El lenguaje del corazón se entiende sin necesidad de palabras.)

6. Linguistic gymnastics: Skillful manipulation or use of language, often to mislead or confuse.
   (La gimnasia lingüística a veces se utiliza en la política para evadir preguntas difíciles.)

Etymology

The word "language" originates from the Latin "lingua," meaning "tongue." It evolved into Old French as "langue," and eventually into Middle English as "language" in the late 14th century, where it incorporated meanings relating to speech and the abstract concept of a language.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: Speech, dialect, vernacular, tongue, lexicon.

Antonyms: Silence, muteness, incomprehensibility.